“Revolutionizing Submarine Warfare: Naval Group Teams Up with Royal IHC for Netherlands’ New Undersea Vision”

Naval Group and Royal IHC have finalized a contract today to enhance the development of the new Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy, signifying a crucial achievement in the execution of the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) initiative.

Building upon a collaboration that began in 2018, Naval Group and Royal IHC will continue to merge their distinctive skills and knowledge in the creation and fabrication of intricate maritime and defense systems. Through this agreement, Royal IHC will leverage its esteemed proficiency in steel fabrication and modular design to the RNSC initiative, aiding in the provision of four next-generation conventionally powered submarines to replace the existing Walrus-class submarines utilized by the Royal Netherlands Navy.

By collaborating with a prominent Dutch leader in sophisticated shipbuilding, Naval Group reinforces the infrastructure for sustained national independence in submarine upkeep and forthcoming enhancements, while promoting deeper alliances and knowledge exchange between Dutch and French naval sectors. Consistent with the 2024 Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) established with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, an expanding network of Dutch enterprises is contributing to the RNSC initiative – encompassing fields like hydraulics, energy administration, acoustic insulation, composite frameworks, detection mechanisms, and filtration – enabling Naval Group to construct cutting-edge submarines tailored to fulfill the demands of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

“This accord represents a significant benchmark in Naval Group’s enduring commitment to closely collaborating with the Dutch Defence and Technology Industrial Base (NLDTIB),” stated Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, “We are privileged to partner with such adept collaborators within the framework of this initiative and into the future.”

Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC, remarked: “As a Dutch provider of maritime innovation, we take pride in making a high-tech contribution to this pivotal project. This contract highlights the trust in the quality and expertise of Royal IHC. We also extend our congratulations to all the other Dutch collaborators involved in this program. The emphasis on strong Dutch industrial participation is vital for preserving and further developing our knowledge base, workforce, and economic viability.”