While a selection decision on the construction of the successor to the Walrus submarines is expected in the neighboring country, the two shipyards will report a surprising announcement on March 7, 2024. The two CEOs, Arnout Damen, Damen Shipyards, and Micael Johansson, Saab, signed an agreement to export Expeditionary C-71 class submarines. Canada, whose navy is looking to replace its (four) diesel-electric submarines, is named as a customer.
In the Netherlands, the decision on the procurement of four new submarines is still pending. In July 2023, the remaining competitors - in addition to Saab-Damen Naval Group and tkMS - submitted their offers. The Dutch Ministry of Defense wanted to inform Parliament about the award decision in March/April 2024 with the so-called D letter. According to marineschepen.nl this can happen on March 15th. ESUTreportedabout the procedure and the possible model suggestions.
The current move by the Saab ladies seems as if pressure should be built up in their favor with a view to the decision on the Walrus successor. Due to the recently announced maritime armament decisions (four air defense frigates, six amphibious transport ships), concerns about the decision on submarines became widespread in the Netherlands. The government last week faced demands from four provinces to choose the contractor that would provide the largest possible Dutch share of the upcoming submarine contract. This was preceded by press reports that the order would go to the Naval Group. There were also rumors about French support for Rütte's selection as NATO Secretary General. Naval Group's intended collaboration with the Dutch shipyard IHC is viewed with skepticism. There is also the idea that the announcement of the frigate and landing ship projects could be intended as compensation for the Dutch shipyard landscape.
Other criteria may be decisive for the Dutch government when awarding submarine construction. In addition to the Ministry of Defense, the Ministries of Finance, Economics and Climate and the Foreign Ministry also play a role in the decision-making process. The Foreign Office in The Hague is said to be particularly close to France. Despite the geographical proximity to Germany and the extensive integration of the Dutch army into the German army, people in the neighboring country are suspicious of bureaucracy and slow processes. In this matter - according to the information available to us - the tkMS draft does not fully meet the ideas of the Navy, for which extensive worldwide deployment is the priority. In this respect, 'Expeditionary' is not just a feature from the equipment list.
Saab Kockums and Damen Naval entered into a cooperation in 2015 to build, modernize and maintain the successor to the Walrus class submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Win-win for both. For his part, Damen hopes to be able to gain technological know-how for the development of submarines through the cooperation. Saab Kockums can expand its production line and polish its reputation as a submarine builder. The shipyard in Karlskrona does not have any recent design experience with such large conventional submarines. In addition to the Swedish Navy's submarines, the Karlskrona shipyard was only able to deliver to Australia. The six Collins-class submarines were commissioned between 1996 and 2003. Submarines retired from the Swedish Navy were sold to Singapore. The Japanese Navy operates conventional submarines built in Japan using technology from Saab Kockums. In this respect, Saab Kockums in particular benefited from the export decision, as it opens up marketing opportunities in a highly competitive armaments segment.
The two Dutch and Swedish naval shipbuilders see themselves as the best strategic choice for the Dutch government. As a result of their cooperation in construction and subsequent support, the shipbuilding industry in the neighboring country is strengthened, not disadvantaged.
Saab Kockums' design for the Walrus successor builds on the capabilities of the Swedish Blekinge-class submarines (A26). According to factory information, the expedition submarine of the C71 family is suitable for long-haul routes. Which remains a crucial criterion for the Dutch. Saab: “The result of the collaboration will be a submarine adapted to the customer for expeditionary operations. This will ensure that the Royal Netherlands Navy can continue to play an important role in European waters and around the world.”
Editorial / hum
Related topics
Damen Galati hands over corvette to Pakistan Navy Keel laying of the first of two new Polish SIGINT ships Rolls-Royce supplies mtu marine gensets for F126 Anti Ship FK RBS15Mk4 Saab: New orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 and ammunition Commander of the Swedish Army: Plans to build four fully equipped brigades Live demonstration of the Giraffe 1X in series version Army combat training center – operator transfer completed without any problems Companies & People October 2019