Saab has pitched four C718 Expeditionary Submarines to the Netherlands as part of the country’s Walrus-class fleet replacement program.
The proposal incorporates advanced subsea technologies and leverages Saab’s experience in “successful, proven, and future-proof design.”
The vessels include a “proven” sensor platform and an integrated weapon system and will be developed with a modular configuration to equip them with new technologies to sustain the fleet’s future operability.
Upon completion, the Walrus-class replacements will be maintainable and upgradable throughout their service life with the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Cooperation With Local Industry
The Swedish company plans to carry out the project in collaboration with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group, its industry partner since 2015.
“The outstanding capabilities of the Expeditionary Submarine C718 meets and exceeds the Dutch needs and requirements long-term,” Saab Senior Vice President Mats Wicksell said.
“Our offer constitutes a substantial contribution to the operational capability of the Dutch Defence Forces. Cooperation with local industry throughout the programme secures strategic autonomy for the Netherlands. These are Dutch submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy.”
Walrus Submarine Replacement Progress
In November, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence requested quotes from three shipbuilders for the Walrus replacement initiative.
Alongside Saab, the request was accepted by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Naval Group. Analysis of each proposal was based on NATO and EU-compliant standards.
Bids for the project were opened in October.
“The Netherlands wants to retain its much-requested submarine capability within NATO and the EU,” the ministry stated.
“Allies and partners can thus continue to count on the Netherlands for the coming decades. The developments along the eastern flank of the NATO treaty area make it even more clear how important it is that NATO partners continue to invest in their [niche] capabilities.”