The Netherlands still assists Taiwan in upgrades and maintenance for Taiwan's two Dutch built Hai Lung classsubmarines. Above are amounts in Euros the Netherlands charged for these services. These total 106 million Euros over 5 years (2010-2014). What would China think?
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I’ve done a bit of research from Dutch sources (using right-click mouse to Translate). These corroborate Kevin’s comments, over the last two years, on Dutch submarine replacement issues.
The two sources used below are:
- Ravage “Havoc” magazine’s, April 3, 2016 articleon Dutch future submarine requirements, and
The Dutch Defence Ministry in 2015 indicated the possibility of spending Euro 2.5 billion or more likely 4 billion all up on four new submarines. A Euro is currently about US$1.05. The Dutch Parliament needs to approve the budget.
BUILDING THE NEW CLASS - WITH AUSTRALIAN HELP?
The Netherlands now lacks submarine building facilities. The Netherlands may therefore have most of each submarine built in:
- Germany by TKMS-HDW. Although TKMS builds far smaller subs, and/or
- in Sweden, with some Australian assistance? “In fact, there are only two parties with
experience: Kockums of Sweden and Australian Submarine Corporation. Together they were
involved in the construction of the Australian Collins-class, based on a 471-Kockums design.”
Some degree of joint venture is possible between Dutch shipbuilder Damen and (see Damen News Release on Saab Kockums ). Joint action is possible within the “Golden Triangle” which includes Norway and Canada. Damen as a buyer and/or part builder may even be able to work with Kockums to sell submarines to Asia.
The Dutch Parliament should make “a final decision in 2018” on the expensive future submarine purchase.
The requirements of the Ministry of Defence for 4 replacement submarines include:
“Max Displacement” (so assumed to be Submerged) about "3,000 tons
Current batteries are “traditional-zinc”?
Under Submarine Wishes senior Dutch naval Captain (maybe a Commodore equivalent?) Hugo Ammerlaan indicated additional requirements in 2014, as follows.
- Broadly the same hull as the Walrus class]; with buoyancy characteristics flexible enough to operate
in such different salt-temperature environments as the Baltic Sea and Red Sea.
- Technically at the level of 2025;
- As quiet as other submarines in 2025;
- Ample space for special forces with their equipment;
- More room for crew members;
- A means/weapon for warning shots (torpedos not useful, of course);
- Weapons against helicopters;
- SLCMs against ships and land (not Tomahawk or other long distance SLCM);
- Internet [or more broadly communications?] above and below water;
- A real galley space and no food fit only for microwave ovens;
- Technology should be compatible with the above-water ships;
- Suitable for mixed crewing, ie. men and women.
Netherland's submarines, like Australia's, need to have the range for long transits, hence a 3,000+ ton size. More specifically Netherlands submarines need to have the range-endurance in comfort for voyages all the way across the Atlantic from the Netherlands to the Dutch Caribbean and back - maybe with only one refuelling?
Pete