Netherlands to order four new submarines from French shipbuilder
The Dutch government is expected to announce an order this week for four submarines from French shipbuilder Naval Group, sources have told RTL Nieuws.
The Paris-based company, which is 62.5% owned by the French state, saw off competition from Swedish firm Saab and Germany’s TKMS to build the vessels at a total cost of around €4 billion.
They will replace the Walrus-class submarines which have been in service since 1990. As much as 40% of the work will be carried out in the Netherlands, RTL reported.
The order is politically sensitive because Saab, one of the losing bidders, has a partnership with Dutch shipyard Damen. Parliament is due to debate the deal next Monday, once the council of ministers has signed it off on Friday.
Two weeks ago the cabinet ordered four new frigates from Damen under a contract worth at least €2.5 billion. Arming the vessels will cost another €2.5 billion, making it the biggest maritime order ever placed with a Dutch manufacturer.
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