The Dutch authorities on Friday stated it had picked French protection firm Naval Group to construct 4 new submarines in coming many years in a long-brewing deal seen by politicians as a possible lifeline for the nationwide shipbuilding business.
The federal government stated the primary two submarines could be operational throughout the subsequent 10 years. It didn’t specify the precise worth of the multi-billion euro contract.
The submarines can be of a measurement to each function in shallow waters and participate in missions removed from base.
The settlement nonetheless needs to be accepted by the Dutch parliament, the place a number of events voiced discontent over the selection for Naval following media stories in regards to the choice.
A gaggle of lawmakers this week urged the federal government to rethink and go for a consortium of Swedish protection firm Saab and Dutch shipbuilder Damen as an alternative, saying that will profit home business extra.
However junior protection minister Christophe van der Maat on Friday stated Naval’s bid would additionally create quite a lot of work for Dutch business.
“Not solely throughout constructing, but additionally for upkeep. This choice isn’t solely good for our navy and our safety, however undoubtedly additionally for Dutch corporations,” Van der Maat stated.
The Dutch authorities earlier this month stated it had largely granted the order to interchange practically its total non-submarine fleet within the coming 15 years to Dutch business, with massive roles for Damen and the Dutch arm of French protection firm Thales.
(Reuters – Reporting by Bart Meijer; Enhancing by Sharon Singleton and Andrew Cawthorne)
