Netherlands Ministry of Defence – Translated by Naval News
The court has dismissed the claims made by the German shipyard Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Today (24 July), the District Court of The Hague ruled on the case in which TKMS objected to the (provisional) decision by the Ministry of Defense to award the contract for constructing four submarines to the French company Naval Group.
In mid-June, the House of Representatives of the Netherlands widely supported the award decision with a large majority of votes.
Agreements
The supply contract between the Ministry of Defense and Naval Group is expected to be signed after the summer. Before the signing occurs, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be established between the Dutch and French governments. This MoU will stipulate that the Netherlands can independently use and maintain the purchased items, separate from Naval Group and the French government.
Additionally, an industrial cooperation agreement will be made before the supply contract is finalized. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) is collaborating with the Naval Group on this agreement, which will ensure the involvement of the Dutch industry.
Orka, Swordfish, Barracuda, and Tiger Shark
Naval Group will deliver His Majesty’s Orka and Zwaardvis within 10 years from the signing of the contract. The other submarines, the Barracuda and the Tigershark, will follow thereafter. The Orka class submarines will provide the Dutch Navy’s Submarine Service with a significant advantage in future underwater combat scenarios.
