“Charting New Waters: The Netherlands and Naval Group Unite for a Revolutionary Leap in Maritime Defense”

Today, Dirk Beljaarts, Minister of Economic Affairs for The Netherlands and
Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, formalized the Industrial
Collaboration Agreement (ICA) linked to the contract for the Replacement
Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) initiative, which is expected to be ratified in the
coming weeks by the Netherlands Ministry of Defense. The ceremony occurred
at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in The Hague.

The Industrial Collaboration Agreement (ICA) acts as a conclusive document that delineates the industrial
partnership strategy of Naval Group with the Dutch defense and maritime sectors for the
Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) initiative.
The Netherlands opted for Naval Group to deliver four cutting-edge expeditionary submarines,
based on the Barracuda family design, after an exhaustive and competitive tendering procedure. This new
class of submarines meets rigorous operational standards and aims to serve as a fitting replacement
for the current Walrus-class.
The ICA is a vital component of the submarine program as it incorporates the industrial
collaboration plan involving Dutch industries and research institutes, focusing on maximizing strategic autonomy.
Under this agreement, Naval Group will collaborate for two decades with numerous
renowned Dutch firms and educational institutions. This significant initiative already encompasses a variety
of large corporations, SMEs, innovative high-tech businesses, and academic entities. The
agreement lays the groundwork for a lasting partnership aimed at generating value throughout the
entire lifespan of these four advanced submarines.
Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, stated: “It is an honor to be in The Hague
today to formalize the Industrial Collaboration Agreement, marking a crucial milestone for the RNSC program.
This agreement fosters an ambitious partnership between the Netherlands Defense
Technological and Industrial Base (NLDTIB) and Naval Group to collaboratively engineer the next generation of the
Royal Netherlands Navy’s submarines. We are eager to expand this collaboration in the future.
The Netherlands Defense Technological and Industrial Base delivers high-performance and specialized solutions that will be prominently incorporated into this initiative, and I believe Naval
Group is exceptionally fortunate to work closely with such skilled partners within the
framework of this project and beyond for many years to come.”

The ICA will significantly enhance the Netherlands Defense Technological and
Industrial Base (NLDTIB) in the design, development, and manufacturing of essential components
and subsystems for next-generation submarines, as well as systems related to surface vessels.
Several of the primary Dutch partners of the company took the opportunity to commend their collaboration
with Naval Group:
Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC: “We extend sincere congratulations to Naval Group and the
Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs on this historic occasion. The signing of the ICA signifies
a significant leap forward in the program and for the Royal Netherlands Navy in their crucial mission to
ensure maritime security and safety.
As a shipbuilder and leading provider of advanced maritime solutions, Royal IHC is proud to
be part of this strategic endeavor in collaboration with extensive participation from the Dutch industry.
We are confident that this project will further energize the Dutch maritime ecosystem, fostering the retention and growth of Dutch knowledge, employment, and the economy.”
Pieter van Breugel, Managing Director of Verebus: “For years, we have pursued a sustainable
strategic alliance with Naval Group, which has culminated in this remarkable milestone.
Verebus eagerly looks forward to a fruitful collaboration, having already secured an initial signed
contract for the development of a sustainable and efficient engineering support model for
the submarines within the RNSC program.”
Mark Jacobs, CCO of Optics11: “We have enjoyed a highly productive partnership with Naval Group and
Thales during the bidding phase, and our inclusion in the ICA is a valid acknowledgment of that effort.
With this endorsement, we solidify our partnership and ensure our contribution to the Orka
program by providing the towed arrays.”
Hugo Loudon, CEO of RH Marine: “RH Marine is thrilled to collaborate with Naval
Group and other Orka team members to assist the Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine
service in protecting our waters.”
Rientz Willem Bol, CEO of Bolidt: “Where innovation embarks on the journey of excellence. Our warmest congratulations
to Naval Group for being selected for the Orka contract. This milestone symbolizes your commitment, diligence, and expertise in the submarine sector. The signing of the Industrial
Collaboration Agreement sends a strong signal of your dedication to enhancing the strategic
partnership with the Dutch maritime industry. Bolidt eagerly anticipates