On 16 June, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Naval Group signed the contract for new-generation F21 heavy-weight torpedoes to equip the Orka-class submarines. With this contract, the Royal Netherlands Navy will become the first NATO SSK fleet to operate the F21.
‘We are honoured for the selection of the F21 torpedo as one of the weapons of reference for the Orka-class submarines. With this contract, we further deepen our strategic partnership and we look forward to the next phases of our cooperation,’ said Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group during the signing of the contract.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence was represented by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman from COMMIT (Materiel and IT Command). He added: ‘The signing of this contract for the F21 torpedo marks an important step in our strategic partnership. The weapon system will be integrated into the future Orka-class submarines, enhancing the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy.’
Also read: New Dutch submarines get advanced torpedo from the outset
A torpedo granting tactical superiority
The F21 MK2 torpedo was qualified in 2019. It is currently in service with the French Navy on its nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and strategic nuclear attack submarines (SSBNs), as well as on the Brazilian Navy’s conventional attack submarines (SSKs). It is a heavy, wire-guided torpedo that can be deployed against enemy submarines and surface vessels. The weapon system is equipped with advanced sensors, electric propulsion and a long range.
While the F21 is the natural reference of Naval Group’s submarine offering, its integration can also be offered on other submarines, particularly for modernisation projects. The company also supports navies to autonomously operate and maintain their torpedoes, providing adequate crew training, simulators and feedback from live-fire exercises.
Also read: Van Halteren lands three contracts for Dutch submarines
Four submarines and ICA
Naval Group is building four conventionally powered Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy in collaboration with the Dutch business community. The submarine replacement programme is currently in the engineering phase. At this stage, the design is being further developed into construction specifications. According to the schedule, construction is set to begin in 2027 with the cutting of the first steel. The first Orka-class submarine is expected to be delivered in 2033.
In this new phase of the Orka project, Naval Group will continue to involve the Dutch business community and research institutions through an extension of the existing Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA).
So far, the following Dutch companies are involved with the project:
- Royal IHC – modules and steel structures
- RH Marine – Energy management and platform automation
- Bolidt – Acoustic cladding
- Optics11 – Detection
- Combimac – Electrical systems
- Van Halteren Technologies – Hydraulic systems
- Solico – Composite structures
- Hatenboer Water – Drinking water supply
- Verebus – Technical support
- MARIN & TNO – Hydrodynamics design and testing activities
- Nevesbu – Submarine subsystem engineering
Picture: The F21 torpedoes that will be fitted on the new Dutch submarines (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Nevesbu contracted for new Dutch submarines
