According to information published Defense Secretary Christophe van der Maat on June 11, 2024, the Dutch House of Representatives has expressed support for the government’s submarine procurement decision. This marks the conclusion of a lengthy parliamentary process.
The Netherlands has recently chosen the French company Naval Group to build its new class of submarines as part of the Walrus-class replacement program. This decision was announced by the Dutch State Secretary for Defence, Christophe van der Maat, at Den Helder Naval Base on March 15, 2024. The selected design is based on the Barracuda family of expeditionary submarines, specifically the Blacksword Barracuda diesel-electric variant.
The new submarines, named HNLMS Orka, HNLMS Zwaardvis, HNLMS Barracuda, and HNLMS Tijgerhaai, will replace the aging Walrus-class boats. They are expected to be delivered starting in the mid-2030s, with the first two submarines due within ten years of signing the delivery contract.