The UK and Netherlands have signed a landmark £2.4 billion agreement to build eight next-generation, 15,000-ton amphibious transport ships optimized for hybrid drone warfare.
UK MoD press release
British and Dutch forces are set to be equipped with new amphibious transport ships under a new maritime partnership signed today (July 7, 2026).
Based on a Dutch design, the ships will be built in UK shipyards alongside Dutch industry as part of a £2.4 billion deal, which is expected to support hundreds of high-skilled UK jobs.
The new ships will form the backbone of a strengthened UK-Netherlands amphibious force, with each nation operating four vessels.
At 160 metres long and 15,000 tonnes, the ships will transport troops, vehicles and equipment including drones wherever they are needed. Their flight decks will be designed to operate current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems, supporting the Royal Navy’s transition to a hybrid Navy.
The partnership will also accelerate industrial and military cooperation on autonomous and uncrewed technology, boosting defence industry in both nations while helping stay ahead of new threats.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rob Jetten signed the agreement today during a meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
”This partnership is not just about building ships, it is also about delivering long term security for both the UK and The Netherlands, ensuring we are able to stay ahead of the threats of tomorrow.
“Combining the UK’s industrial expertise with The Netherlands’ design and sea-faring experience to deliver first-rate platforms for our elite amphibious forces, this partnership will strengthen NATO.
“I am incredibly proud that British shipyards will help deliver these ships, creating and sustaining good jobs here at home in the UK.”
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said:
“We are building an even stronger amphibious force with the Netherlands, strengthening our defence and deterrence as close NATO allies and JEF partners.
“Our forces will operate the same equipment and deploy on exercises together, so if they need to, we can fight and win together. In close partnership, we are responding to the threats we face to make our nations and Europe safer.”
The enhanced partnership builds on more than 50 years of maritime cooperation through the UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force – Europe’s longest-running integrated military force.
The Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy will increasingly train, deploy, and operate together more effectively, while improving NATO’s ability to respond quickly to crises.
Operating the same amphibious transport ship is key to the integration of both Navies, as well as the future drone and uncrewed tech that will be developed between the two nations.
As close NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies, and strong supporters of Ukraine, the UK and Netherlands will work together to protect critical undersea infrastructure and deter threats in the North Atlantic and High North.
The partnership builds on the recent deal struck by the UK and Norway to deliver five Type 26 vessels – built in UK shipyards – to the Norwegian Navy, supporting 4000 British jobs.
It also comes as the UK is investing billions on the hybrid navy through the Defence Investment Plan, which will see the Royal Navy transform into a more lethal and technologically advanced hybrid force, combining cutting-edge warships with autonomous surface and undersea drones.
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Naval News comments:
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval was previously pitching its Enforcer amphibious ship family as the basis for a possible common design for a planned UK and Netherlands joint amphibious ship acquisition programme.
Navantia UK, owner of Harland & Wolff in Belfast, shared the following statement:
Donato Martinez, Chief Executive of Navantia UK, said:
“Amphibious transport ships will be a vital component of Britain’s sovereign naval defence capability going forward. As outlined in the Defence Investment Plan, they will enable troops to be deployed around the world and are a necessary replacement for the Albion-class assault ships.
“The UK Government’s maritime partnership with the Netherlands is a logical step, enabling two NATO allies to work together both in the planning stage and in the deployment of naval force.
“Navantia UK’s Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast gives the UK a proven, sovereign capability to build these vessels. Recapitalised with investment of more than £98.5 million, it is now one of the most advanced shipbuilding facilities in Europe.
“Navantia UK is fully committed to supporting this programme and stands ready to work with the UK and Dutch governments alongside other partners to deliver this 21st century naval capability.”
