The Dutch authorities on Friday mentioned 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 trade.
The federal government mentioned the primary two submarines could be operational inside the subsequent 10 years. It didn’t specify the precise worth of the multi-billion euro contract.
The submarines can be of a dimension to each function in shallow waters and participate in missions removed from base.
The settlement nonetheless needs to be accredited by the Dutch parliament, the place a number of events voiced discontent over the selection for Naval following media studies concerning 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 trade extra.
However junior protection minister Christophe van der Maat on Friday mentioned Naval’s bid would additionally create lots of work for Dutch trade.
“Not solely throughout constructing, but additionally for upkeep. This choice shouldn’t be solely good for our navy and our safety, however positively additionally for Dutch corporations,” Van der Maat mentioned.
The Dutch authorities earlier this month mentioned it had largely granted the order to switch almost its total non-submarine fleet within the coming 15 years to Dutch trade, with giant roles for Damen and the Dutch arm of French protection firm Thales.
(Reuters – Reporting by Bart Meijer; Enhancing by Sharon Singleton and Andrew Cawthorne)
