The tie-up deepens Dutch industry’s role in the Orka-class build.

France’s Naval Group has signed a contract with Dutch specialist RH Marine to support construction of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines, the companies announced on 25 September 2025. The agreement marks a key step in the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability programme, with RH Marine to deliver platform automation, power distribution and integrated system solutions.

Naval Group was selected in September 2024 to lead the submarine renewal effort, which will see four diesel-electric Orka-class boats replace the Netherlands’ ageing Walrus-class fleet. The new partnership aligns with the Industrial Cooperation Agreement concluded in September 2024 between Naval Group and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, designed to embed local industry in the programme.

By drawing on RH Marine’s decades of work with the Royal Netherlands Navy, the collaboration aims to ensure high mission performance and robust through-life support for all four submarines. It is also intended to reinforce Dutch autonomy in maintenance and future upgrades, reducing dependence on foreign support as the boats enter service and evolve over time.

Beyond RH Marine’s role, a wide network of Dutch companies is contributing to the programme in areas including hydraulics, energy management, acoustic cladding, composite structures, detection systems and filtration. The broadened industrial base is expected to strengthen national expertise, support domestic jobs and lay the groundwork for future enhancements across the Orka-class during its operational life.