On June 16, 2025, Naval Group announced a contract with Royal IHC to support the construction of the new Orka-class submarines for the Dutch Navy.
The contract marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) program.
“Building on a partnership initiated in 2018, Naval Group and Royal IHC will continue to combine their complementary experience and expertise in the design and manufacture of complex maritime and defence systems.”
Naval Group on Linkedin
With this contract, Royal IHC will contribute its recognized expertise in steel structures and modular construction to the RNSC program, supporting the delivery of four new-generation conventionally propelled submarines in replacement of the current Walrus-class submarines operated by the Dutch Navy.
About Orka-class submarine program
The Orka-class program was officially launched in September 2024 when Dutch State Secretary for Defence and the CEO of Naval Group signed the Delivery Agreement for the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability program. 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 Tijgerhaai, will follow thereafter. According to the Dutch MoD, the Orka-class submarines will provide the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Submarine Service with a significant advantage in future underwater combat scenarios.
Naval Group, Saab and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems were in December 2019 shortlisted to compete to supply four boats to replace the Royal Netherlands Navy’s four ageing Walrus-class submarines. Naval Group was offering a conventional variant of its Barracuda design known as Blacksword; Saab’s business area Kockums, teamed with Damen, was proposing the C718: An enlarged expeditionary derivative of the A26 submarine being built for the Royal Swedish Navy; and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has bid an evolved ‘Expeditionary’ variant of the Class 212CD design already ordered by Germany and Norway.
