The navy will receive 2 new support vessels with modern weapon systems and equipment. The Dutch Damen will build them. The vessels are needed to better protect the Netherlands and its allies in the event of a threat. State Secretary Gijs Tuinman reports this to the House of Representatives today.
In operations in the higher violence spectrum, the navy needs reinforcement of the air defense and more firepower. In addition, the navy needs research equipment to detect and monitor threats in the North Sea. The multifunctional support vessels carry the new armament or the equipment in containers. Through innovation and the smart combination of existing systems, this can be done with a small crew.
The Navy needs more long-range surface-to-air missiles. Opponents can carry out massive and simultaneous attacks with anti-ship missiles or drones. The Air Defence and Command frigates (LC frigates) must be able to defend themselves and other (naval) ships against this.
The infrastructure in the North Sea is vulnerable. Think of windmills and drilling platforms. Other examples are oil and gas pipelines, electricity cables and data cables on the seabed. The Military Intelligence and Security Service wrote in its annual report about Russian activities that indicate espionage. The service also reported that there are preparatory actions for disruption and sabotage of the maritime infrastructure.
In order to detect these threats, Defence is acquiring underwater drones and sensors for the new vessels to collect information.
The acquisition at Damen is in line with the government policy to strengthen the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry. In doing so, Defence contributes to the strategic autonomy of Europe. In the coming years, Defence will replace almost the entire naval fleet. The maritime manufacturing industry forms the foundation for this.
The project involves €250 million to €1 billion. Capacity for the North Sea will be deployable from 2026 and both vessels will be fully deployable in 2027.
