If TKMS were selected by the Netherlands to build a new Dutch submarine its size is likely to be between the 2,000 tons (surfaced) Type 218 and the 3,000 ton (surfaced) DSX-3000 that TKMS is likely designing for South Korea (diagram above) and Israel (what I call the Dolphin 3).
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Kevin has provided unclassified information on Dutch Submarine Walrus overhaul and replacement matters for the last two years, Kevin’s thoughtful comment 1 of 25 February 2017 prompted me to write:
- Midlife Overhaul for Dutch Submarines - Operational to 2025 of 27 February 2017, and
- I’m also using Kevin’s 25 Feb comment 1, his followup 1 March 2017 comment 2 and other background to write about Dutch Walrus submarine replacement issues.
The Dutch Government continues informal talks with Germany and Sweden on Walrus submarine replacement issues. Surprisingly there was not the previous firm resolve from Dutch naval high command that replacement subs be built in the Netherlands.
The Midlife OverhauledWalruses will likely operate to 2025 and the last may operate until 2031.
A replacement submarine program may be influenced by the following timeline:
- June to August 2017 formation of a new government
- if there is no replacement submarine program authorisation then the Dutch Navy would start
dismantling the Submarine Service in 2027
- but if the Dutch Cabinet authorises replacement formal talks with potential foreign governments
and company partners can begin in 2017
- 2018 continuing discussion with foreign partners and with major component contractors (eg.
combat systems, weapons, sonar suites, submarine launched UUVs, etc)
- 2020 onwards sign major contracts
- 2027 launch first New Dutch Submarine (NDS).
Likely Foreign Company Partners
Likely Foreign Company Partners
TKMS and/or SAAB Kockums
- “With Germany and Sweden you can more easily negotiate to modules and
packages for your systems and software, so you options are wider.”
- “What [I, Kevin] personally think is that the NDSs are going to be a German build with modules
and packages from Sweden.”
"Not DCNS"
- “No, not France...It's hard to break in the France defence industry [that makes customization of
hardware for the NDS difficult - see original words].
- “France is open to make a bid but will have a low chance.”
The Netherland’s shipbuilder Damen "will get in the same time period mega orders totalling 16 ships (12 minehunters and 4 frigates) from the Belgian and Dutch governments so Damen will have its hands full."
“Japan is [“cool” OK] but not an option.”
European country (eg. Dutch) policies favour selection of weapons from:
- European Union (EU) members (eg. Sweden, France and Germany), and
- http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/sweden-and-netherlands-replacement.html
- http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/netherlands-needs-new-submarines-quickly.html, and
- http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/poland-contemplating-joint-submarine.htmlsee
KEVIN’s BACKGROUND
Kevin and Pete