Netherlands signs contract with Naval Group for four Barracuda-class submarines in major defense deal.

According to a PR published by Naval Group on September 30, 2024, the Netherlands Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Naval Group for the delivery of four Barracuda-class expeditionary submarines.
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Artist rendering of the future Dutch Barracuda-class submarine. (Picture source: Naval Group)

The agreement, formalized by Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman and Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet, took place at the Directie Materiële Instandhouding (DMI) in Den Helder, marking the official launch of the Orka-class program, which will replace the Royal Netherlands Navy’s aging Walrus-class submarines.

The contract follows a rigorous evaluation and bidding process conducted by the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), which determined that Naval Group’s Orka-class submarines were the best solution for the Netherlands' future underwater capabilities. The program will enhance the Netherlands' strategic autonomy and deepen cooperation between the Dutch maritime industry and Naval Group, particularly in the development and maintenance of submarine systems over the next two decades.

About the program

Before Naval Group was selected, the Dutch government extensively evaluated the proposals from TKMS and Saab Kockums. TKMS, a German company, offered a design based on its Type 212/214 submarines, which are widely regarded for their advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems. These submarines are noted for their ability to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing, making them ideal for covert operations in shallow waters such as the Baltic Sea.

Saab Kockums, on the other hand, presented a modified version of its A26 submarine, which is designed with modularity in mind and includes an AIP system. The A26’s strength lies in its versatility, allowing it to be configured for a wide range of missions, including intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, and special forces operations. Saab Kockums also promised to heavily involve Dutch industry in its proposal, which was a crucial requirement for the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Both TKMS and Saab Kockums had strong offerings, and their submarines are well-regarded in the global market. However, Naval Group's proposal was ultimately deemed to offer superior capabilities for the Netherlands’ specific needs. One of the decisive factors was the ability of Naval Group to deliver a blue-water, ocean-going submarine capable of extended missions far from Dutch waters, while also ensuring long-term cooperation with Dutch industry.

From a strategic standpoint, the Dutch government viewed the Naval Group’s Barracuda-class submarines as the best fit for NATO’s broader requirements. The Barracuda design is well-suited to both high-end warfare and intelligence operations in distant waters.