The new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy will each be equipped with a 12-metre unmanned surface vessel (USV). At the end of July, the Dutch Ministry of Defence gave Dutch Naval Design (DND) the go-ahead to start the design.
DND is a partnership between the Ministry of Defence, industry, academia and research institutions.
A number of DND partners submitted a proposal under the name USV Alliance. The companies and knowledge institutions involved vary in size, technical focus and background. Together, they have the skills, knowledge and expertise required for this work.
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Dipping sonars
The design of the new 12-metre USVs must take into account the integration of several new systems from the outset. These include Thales Underwater Systems France’s Compact Flash sonar. These dipping sonars increase the frigate’s field of view without revealing the ship’s location. The delivery of these sonars was also confirmed at the end of July.
Anti-submarine warfare
Unmanned vessels will play a major role in future anti-submarine warfare. The Royal Netherlands Navy can deploy them to detect and track enemy submarines. The Navy can also use the vessels as a deterrent in areas with high submarine activity. The USVs will therefore significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
The unmanned vessels will extend the range of the new ASW frigates and improve their response capabilities. This will strengthen the operational capacity of the maritime armed forces.
Picture (top): Impression of the new ASW frigate and USV (image by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Dutch Navy trials uncrewed systems in the North Sea
