The Ministry of Defence is procuring thirteen fast craft for the Royal Netherlands Navy. They will replace the current Fast Raiding Interception Special Forces Craft (FRISC). Dutch shipyard De Haas Maassluis in Rotterdam is building the so-called Future Fast Interceptors (FFIs).
The contracts with De Haas Maassluis were signed on 10 March. The first vessels are expected to be delivered in 3.5 years.
Also read: De Haas completes upgrade of Dutch navy landing craft
Faster, better, more heavily armed
The new boats are more modern, faster and more heavily armed than the FRISC. They also have an improved sensor and communication system and are less detectable to the enemy.
Moreover, focus has been placed on reducing the physical strain on personnel. Innovations in hull and seats soften hard shocks at speed combined with high wave action.
The FFIs will be added to the inventory of the Maritime Special Operations Forces (Marsof) of the Marine Corps, among others. The vessels are intended for boarding and other special operations in the highest violence spectrum.
Picture by the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Also read: Future of Dutch navy lies mainly in unmanned systems
