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Flash News: French Thales to Upgrade Dutch Orka-Class Submarines with High-Performance Sonar.
On March 19, 2025, Thales announced that, as part of the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) program, it will provide a high-performance sonar suite for the Royal Netherlands Navy's new Orka-class submarines. This agreement, established in collaboration with Naval Group, underscores a significant milestone in advancing the Dutch Navy’s submarine capabilities. This collaboration strengthens defense cooperation between the French and Dutch governments, while also playing a vital role in bolstering Europe’s overall defense capabilities.
The Orka Class submarine will replace the current Walrus-class vessels in the RNLN's fleet. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)
Thales' advanced sonar suite is set to deliver a comprehensive view of the underwater acoustic environment, enhancing the capability of future submarines to counter increasingly silent threats. The Orka Class submarine, developed by Naval Group, is a diesel-electric attack submarine designed for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). This new class of submarines will replace the current Walrus-class vessels in the RNLN's fleet.
Equipped with the cutting-edge sonar system, the Orka Class will be capable of detecting, locating, and classifying a full spectrum of threats across short, medium, and long ranges, utilizing a wide array of frequencies. This technological advancement ensures superior operational effectiveness in securing naval dominance in modern underwater warfare.
Thales is a global leader in underwater systems, equipping over 50 submarines of various types, including ballistic missile submarines, nuclear-powered attack submarines, and conventionally powered attack submarines, currently in service worldwide.
Thales' advanced submarine sonar suite is utilized by several prominent navies. The French Navy relies on Thales' technology in its Barracuda-class submarines, where it plays a crucial role in both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, ensuring the fleet’s operational superiority. The Brazilian Navy has integrated Thales sonar systems into its newly built or modernized submarines to enhance their detection and operational effectiveness in complex underwater environments. Similarly, the Australian Navy has equipped its Collins-class submarines with Thales sonar technology, significantly boosting their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
As a long-standing partner of both Naval Group and the Royal Netherlands Navy, Thales plays a crucial role in supporting the Netherlands' operational superiority. The cooperation between France and the Netherlands, exemplified by the RNSC programme, highlights Thales' ability to meet demanding requirements and collaborate with Dutch industry. This partnership presents an opportunity for Thales to align with the Dutch government's policy of strengthening strategic national industries, further solidifying its commitment to the Netherlands' naval defense ecosystem. Thales continues to deliver innovative and reliable solutions that support the defense capabilities of allied nations, as emphasized by Sébastien Guérémy, Vice President of Underwater Systems.
Thales' partnership with Naval Group to provide advanced sonar technology for the Royal Netherlands Navy's Orka-class submarines marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Dutch Navy’s capabilities. This collaboration strengthens the defense ties between France and the Netherlands while contributing to Europe’s broader defense objectives. By delivering cutting-edge sonar systems, Thales continues to support global naval forces, ensuring superior operational effectiveness and reinforcing its commitment to strengthening national defense ecosystems and strategic partnerships.