Saab reported on 28 July 2023 that it had that day submitted its proposal to replace the current submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNlN).
The proposal comprises four advanced C718 expeditionary submarines “with the latest innovations and technologies” that Saab’s Kockums business would build in conjunction with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group, with which Saab has co-operated since 2015.
The four new boats would replace the RNlN’s fleet of four Walrus-class submarines, which have been in service since the early 1990s.
The proposed C718 is an advanced expeditionary submarine that Saab says “offers an unsurpassed level of endurance and exceeds the Royal Netherlands Navy needs for long-distance operations, sufficient accommodation, crew comfort and increased weapon payload capability”.
Saab’s proposal, which includes technology transfer to the Netherlands, “offers a proven and integrated weapon launching system and one of the best sensor-systems in the world”, the company said, adding that the C718’s “innovative design features signature solutions to minimise detection by active sonars, all combined in an undetectable and extremely capable submarine”.
Saab noted that, once delivered, the C718s would be fully maintainable by the RNlN, including upgrades throughout their lifespans.
Also bidding for the Dutch submarine requirement are Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and France’s Naval Group. TKMS is offering its HDW Class 212CD E design, which is an update of the submarines currently operated by the German and Norwegian navies, while Naval Group is offering a conventionally powered variant of the Barracuda-class nuclear-powered submarine in service with the French Navy.
The deadline for submitting tenders to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) was 28 July. The assessment process is now expected to last until the end of January 2024, after which the provisional award decision will be drawn up.
The Dutch MoD has noted that the proposed industrial co-operation agreements (ICAs) will be a key element in deciding the tender. While the MoD will make its own tender assessment, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy will evaluate the ICA proposals received from the yards, which will then be added to the overall tender assessment before a final decision is made by the Dutch government.
Peter Felstead
