Click here - to select or create a menu

Naval News

Palfinger
  • News
  • Event News
    • Indo Pacific 2022
    • Sea Air Space 2022
    • DIMDEX 2022
    • WDS 2022
    • DSEI 2021
    • MADEX 2021
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Advertising
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home» News»Another short delay for the Dutch Navy Walrus-class submarine replacement program
A Royal Netherlands Navy Walrus-class submarine (Credit: Royal Dutch Navy)

Another short delay for the Dutch Navy Walrus-class submarine replacement program

The Dutch Secretary of State Barbara Visser still hopes to make a decision this year on the Walrus-class submarines replacement, she recently confirmed to the country’s House of Representatives.

Nathan Gain 08 Nov 2019

According to Dutch media AD.nl which first published the information yesterday, the long awaited « B-Letter » will announce which company or companies will be allowed to participate in the definition phase. Some imprecise words that could mean a further delay in this 3.5 billion Euros program. 

According to Naval News‘ source who has first hand knowledge of the matter, the B-Letter, which was set to down-select one (or more than one) finalist, was expected to come out in late October or early November. It appears now that the program is facing yet another delay (even-tough this one may be short). 

According to AD.nl, the latest development is leading to some political tensions: « How much longer do we have to wait ?, » asked Martijn van Helvert, from the Christian Democratic Appeal party. Visser asked for patience and pointed out that it is « an ongoing tendering process ». According to her, the delay is due to the Defense Industry Strategy (DIS) paper issued in November 2018. This document states that future purchases of defense equipment do not only look at the best product at the best price. There must also be « the greatest possible involvement of Dutch business ».

With that strategy in hand, the four providers were asked for further information in April, said Visser. « All of that must now be taken into account. I hope to send you the submarine letter this year, » she added. 

The Walrus replacement program calls for three (or four, the B-letter will give the final number) new submarines with deliveries starting in 2027. The Dutch Navy seeks a large conventionnal submarine of about 3,000 tons in displacement. It must be able to conduct long oceanic transit in order to reach the Dutch Antilles rapidly.

In addition to the Saab-Damen team, the other competitors for the Walrus Replacement Programme are France’s Naval Group (along with their local partner Royal IHC), Germany’s TKMS and Spain’s Navantia.

Dutch Navy Naval Group Netherlands Royal Dutch Navy Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Walrus 2019-11-08
Tags Dutch Navy Naval Group Netherlands Royal Dutch Navy Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Walrus
Facebook Twitter Stumble linkedin Pinterest More

Authors

Posted by : Nathan Gain
Nathan is based in Namur, Belgium. He holds an MA in modern history with a minor in international relations from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL – Belgium). Fascinated by military history he naturally turned to the defense sector after graduating and is particularly interested in Northern European and Belgian defense issues as well as in anything related to naval aviation.

Related Articles

Saab Lays Keel of First A26 Blekinge-class Submarine

Saab Lays Keel of First A26 Blekinge-class Submarine

Xavier Vavasseur 01 Jul 2022
The Keel laying ceremony for HMS Blekinge took place on 30 June 2022 at Saab Kockums’ shipyard in Karlskrona, Southern Sweden.
FDI Frigates: Naval Group Signs Contracts with Hellenic Companies

FDI Frigates: Naval Group Signs Contracts with Hellenic Companies

Naval News Staff 30 Jun 2022
Naval Group signs contracts and teaming agreements with Hellenic companies for the Hellenic Navy FDI frigates program.
Russia’s Third Project 885M (Yasen-M) Submarine Starts Sea Trials

Russia’s Third Project 885M (Yasen-M) Submarine Starts Sea Trials

Naval News Staff 28 Jun 2022
The third Project 885M nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine (SSGN) Krasnoyarsk (Yasen M / NATO reporting name: Severodvinsk-class) currently under construction at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk set out for its first sea trials in the White Sea.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 Naval News
All Rights Reserved