Amsterdam – A spokesperson for Netherlands State Secretary of Defense Van der Maat acknowledged plans to purchase four diesel-electric submarines equipped with US Tomahawk long range missiles to provide a “niche capability within NATO and the EU”.
“The threat on the eastern flank of NATO territory underscores how important it is for NATO partners to continue investing in their capabilities,” the spokesperson added. “I cannot go into the specific requirements of the submarines, since this is confidential.”
The Netherlands intends to have the new submarines replace the current Walrus- class boats (pictured). The three bids received were from France’s Naval Group, Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Sweden’s Saab Kockums. A decision on awarding a contract is expected during the first quarter of 2024.
Source “Breaking Defense”