“A milestone on the road to new submarines.” That is how State Secretary Gijs Tuinman described the agreement for the supply of components for the new submarines yesterday. Signatories Royal IHC and Naval Group are making an important contribution to the strategic defense program.
On behalf of Defense, the French Naval Group is building 4 ultramodern Orka-class submarines. These will be operational from the next decade. Royal IHC is responsible for the development, and delivery, of high-quality modules and steel constructions for the 4 ships.
With this agreement, the two parties ensure that the Netherlands is maximally involved in constructing the Orcas. Royal IHC and Naval Group have been working together intensively for years to develop knowledge and expertise about the construction in the Netherlands.
According to Tuinman, this is important for the Netherlands for several reasons. “Economically, because of the employment and competitive position. And for safety and strategic independence, because this way we maintain control over critical knowledge and expertise.” Knowledge and expertise combined with that of the French. “This way we combine the best of both worlds.”
Construction of the modules is expected to start in the second half of 2026. It is estimated that this will create several hundred direct and indirect jobs in the Netherlands. For people who will work on something that, according to Tuinman, “will yield nothing but an impressive end result. Boats that are good for the navy. With which the men and women of the Submarine Service can do their work optimally and as safely as possible. And therefore also boats that are good for the Netherlands, France and Europe and everything we stand for: freedom, safety and prosperity.”