Orka-class submarine

In 2013 the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) started the preparation process for the replacement of the {{sclass|Walrus|submarine|1}}s.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=18 October 2013 |title=Onderzeedienst kijkt weer vooruit |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/onderzeedienst-commando-overdracht-2013.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann|date=17 July 2014 |title="In Nederland is genoeg kennis voor nieuwe onderzeeboten" |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/nieuwe-nederlandse-onderzeeboten-160714.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}} That same year the Dutch Minister of Defence had signed letters of intent with both Norway and Germany for the development of new submarines, while there had also been talks with Norway about a Future Submarine Co-Operation.{{cite magazine |author= |date=December 2014 |title=Vervanging Walrusklasse |url=https://klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-130.pdf |magazine=Klaar voor Onderwater|volume=47 |issue=130 |location=Den Helder |pages=5-10 |issn=2214-6202}} Plans were announced by Dutch Minister of Defence, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, in November 2014 to replace the Walrus-class submarines with four new submarines in 2025.{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2015/01/20/Swedes-Dutch-partner-for-future-submarine-work/2621421769173/|title=Swedes, Dutch partner for future submarine work|publisher=UPI.com|date=22 January 2015|accessdate=8 December 2022}} Later that year it was announced that the Netherlands would continue cooperating with Norway on the procurement of new submarines, but cooperation with Germany would not continue as a result of difference in urgency.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=13 November 2014 |title=Nieuwe Nederlandse onderzeeboten zonder Duitsland |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Nieuwe-Nederlandse-onderzeeboten-zonder-Duitsland-131114.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}} In 2015 a vision for the future of the Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Service was sent by the Minister of Defence to the Tweede Kamer which underlined the need for new submarines and international cooperation.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=11 June 2015 |title=Toekomstvisie: nieuwe onderzeeboten in 2025 |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Toekomstvisie-Onderzeedienst-Hennis-openbaar-110615.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author=J.T. van de Kuijt|date=23 March 2016 |title=Verkenner onderwater |url=https://militairespectator.nl/artikelen/verkenner-onderwater |website=Militaire Spectator |language=Dutch}} Meanwhile Dutch shipbuilder Damen had announced in January that it will work together with Saab to design and build submarines.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=22 January 2015 |title=Directeur Damen Schelde over samenwerking met Saab |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/interview-directeur-damen-schelde-over-samenwerking-saab-220115.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author= |date=16 August 2024 |title=Netherlands Submarine Capabilities |url=https://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/netherlands-submarine-capabilities/ |website=NTI}} Other companies, such as the French Naval Group and German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), had also shown interest in building new submarines that could replace the Walrus-class.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=10 June 2015 |title=Ook Duitsland en Frankrijk bereiden zich voor op Nederlandse onderzeeboten |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Duitsland-en-Frankrijk-bereiden-zich-voor-op-Nederlandse-onderzeeboten-100615.html |website=Marineschepen.nl|language=Dutch}} The A-letter, which officially starts the replacement program, was at first expected to be sent to the Tweede Kamer in 2015, and later in April 2016.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=1 June 2016 |title=Stil rond nieuwe Nederlandse onderzeeboten, maar onderwaterwereld volop in ontwikkeling |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Onderwaterwereld-volop-in-ontwikkeling-010616.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author= |date=23 March 2016 |title=Brede steun in Tweede Kamer voor nieuwe onderzeeboten |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Brede-steun-Tweede-Kamer-voor-nieuwe-onderzeeboten-230316.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}} While no letter was sent during this period, talks and discussions continued about what kind of submarines were needed, the amount and international cooperation.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=17 March 2016 |title=Veel vragen Vaste Kamercommissie over nieuwe onderzeeboten |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/politiek-traject-nieuwe-onderzeeboten-van-start-170316.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=6 March 2016 |title=Media-overzicht nieuwe onderzeeboten |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/media-overzicht-nieuwe-onderzeeboten-050316.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}} In June 2016 the A-letter was finally sent and revealed four requirements that the potentially new submarines would need to meet.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=17 June 2016 |title=Brief Hennis: vervanging Walrusklasse onderzeeboten vanaf 2027 |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/A-Brief-eerste-nieuwe-onderzeeboot-in-2027-170616.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author= |date=5 October 2016 |title=Vervanging onderzeebootcapaciteit |url=https://www.rekenkamer.nl/publicaties/kamerstukken/2016/10/05/vervanging-onderzeebootcapaciteit |website=Algemene Rekenkamer|language=Dutch}} At the same time it was also announced that in the next phase of the replacement program research needs to be done on how these requirements can be fulfilled. During this research four specific options will considered: expeditionary submarines, coastal submarines, submarine drones or other systems (and thus no submarines will be tendered).{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=9 May 2019 |title=The Royal Netherlands Navy’s Submarine Replacement Programme |url=https://euro-sd.com/2019/05/articles/13140/the-royal-netherlands-navys-submarine-replacement-programme/ |website=European Security & Defence}}

By 2017, there was still no political agreement on the quantity or type of new submarines to be ordered; nor the tasks they were expected to perform. However, it seems certain that they will be replaced, since the alleged Russian threat was regarded as an incentive to invest in a new class. The Minister of Defence, however, delayed the replacement by two years, until 2027. Roughly, there are two groups in the Dutch parliament – one in favor of replacing the Walrus class by an equally capable class of large, expeditionary, diesel-electric submarine, and the other in favor of choosing a cheaper solution of smaller diesel-electrics, similar to Swedish and German submarines. It is unknown where the new boats will be built; since the Dutch RDM shipyard (the only Dutch yard capable of building submarines) is no longer in operation. The Defensienota (Defense policy for the coming years) of March 2018 revealed that the Dutch government is still planning to replace the Walrus-class submarines,{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/downloads/beleidsnota-s/2018/03/26/defensienota-2018|title=Defensienota 2018|publisher=Dutch Ministry of Defense|date=26 March 2018|accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}} with an allocated budget of more than 2.5 billion euros for the new submarines. Additional information on how to proceed with the replacement was expected at the end of 2018, when the Dutch Minister of Defence, Ank Bijleveld, was to send a so-called B-letter to the Dutch parliament. Minister Bijleveld also underlined in an interview that the new submarines should have the same niche capabilities as the current Walrus-class submarines: the ability to operate and gather intelligence in both shallow water close to the coast and in deep water in the ocean.{{cite web|url=https://www.bndestem.nl/politiek/we-gaan-niet-oplappen-we-gaan-vernieuwen~a2327cae/|title=We gaan niet oplappen, we gaan vernieuwen|publisher=BNDeStem|website=bndestem.nl|date=27 March 2018|accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}} In December 2019 the B-letter was sent to the Dutch parliament.{{cite web |author= |date=12 October 2020 |title=Vizier op de vervanging van de onderzeeboten: De studiefase doorgelicht |url=https://www.rekenkamer.nl/publicaties/publicaties/2020/10/12/vizier-op-de-vervanging-van-de-onderzeeboten |website=Algemene Rekenkamer|language=Dutch}} In mid-2021 it was indicated that the revised plan was to take a decision on the replacement type in 2022 and to have the first vessel in service by 2028, with the first two boats to be in service by 2031.{{cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/june/10233-dutch-navy-walrus-class-submarine-replacement-project-in-progress.html|title=Dutch Navy Walrus-class submarine replacement project in progress|publisher=Navyrecognition.com|date=1 June 2021|accessdate=8 December 2022}} However, by October 2021 it was reported that this timeline was no longer feasible. Instead, the Dutch Ministry of Defence signalled that the envisaged dates would have to be "substantially adjusted", likely impacting the originally proposed in-service dates for the first submarines.{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/10/netherlands-walrus-class-submarine-replacement-program-facing-delays/|title=Netherlands' Walrus-Class Submarine Replacement Program Facing Delays|publisher=Naval News|date=31 October 2021|accessdate=8 December 2022}} In April 2022 it was announced that the revised schedule for construction of the new replacement boats would likely see the first two vessels entering service in the 2034 to 2037 timeframe.{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/04/netherlands-to-extend-the-life-of-walrus-class-submarines/|title=Netherlands To Extend The Life Of Walrus Class Submarines|publisher=Naval News|date=3 April 2022|accessdate=8 December 2022}}{{cite web |author= |date=1 April 2022 |title=Nieuwe fase vervanging onderzeeboten: Walrusklasse vaart langer door |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/04/01/nieuwe-fase-vervanging-onderzeeboten-walrusklasse-vaart-langer-door |website=Defensie.nl|language=Dutch}} As a result the two oldest Walrus-class submarines will be decommissioned and used for spare parts to keep the two youngest boats longer in service.{{cite web |author=Jessica Bode |date=1 April 2022 |title=Onderzeeboot uit de vaart |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/12/01_onderzeeboten-vervanging_12 |website=Defensiekrant |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}} The goal is to keep two boats operational and prevent a capability gap.{{cite web |author=Evert Brouwer and Haytze Teerink |date=30 September 2022 |title=Bouwers onderzeeboten uitgedaagd met offerteaanvraag |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/38/01_onderzeeboot |website=Defensiekrant |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}

On 16 November 2022 the next phase in the program was started when DMO delivered the request for quotation (RfQ) to the three remaining yards.{{cite web |author=Richard Scott |date=12 December 2023 |title=Decision time approaches for Walrus class submarine replacement |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/12/decision-time-approaches-for-walrus-class-submarine-replacement/ |website=Naval News}}{{cite web |author=Arthur van Beveren |date=21 October 2022 |title=Gedreven team werkt aan vervanging onderzeeboten |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2022/08/gedreven-team-werkt-aan-vervanging-onderzeeboten |website=Materieelgezien |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}} The proposals had to be submitted before 28 July 2023 with a final decision being made by the navy in late 2023 or early 2024.{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Werven-krijgen-in-november-offerte-aanvraag-onderzeeboten-300922.html|title=Nieuwe fase: vanaf november gaan onderzeebootbouwers met offerte aan de slag|publisher=Marineschepen|date=30 September 2022|accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}}{{cite web |author=Joost Margés |date=20 June 2023 |title=Beste boot voor beste prijs |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2023/05/gunningsproces-nieuwe-onderzeeboot |website=Materieelgezien |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}

The Ministry of Defence has shortlisted three bidders:{{cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2019/12/16/the-netherlands-3-bidders-shortlisted-for-submarine-replacement-program/|title=The Netherlands: three bidders shortlisted for submarine replacement program|publisher=Naval Today|date=16 December 2019|accessdate=8 December 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/12/17/dutch-walrus-submarine-program-shuffles-forward-but-not-by-much/|title=One bidder out, three remain in Dutch race to replace Walrus subs|publisher=Defense News|date=17 December 2019|accessdate=8 December 2022}}

• Damen Group and Saab Group announced that they have partnered from 2015 to jointly develop, offer and build next-generation submarines that are able to replace the current Walrus-class submarines.{{cite web|url=http://www.damen.com/en/news/2015/01/saab_and_damen_team_for_walrus_future_submarine_replacement_programme|title=Saab and Damen Team for Walrus Future Submarine Replacement Programme |work=www.damen.com|date=20 January 2015|accessdate=8 December 2022}} It was announced on 1 June 2018 that their design will be derived from the A26 submarine.{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Details-voorstel-Saab-Damen-nieuwe-Nederlandse-onderzeeboot-010618.html|title=Meer details voorstel nieuwe Nederlandse onderzeeboot van Saab en Damen|publisher=Marineschepen|date=5 June 2018|accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}} The proposed submarine is around {{convert|73|m|ftin}} long with a beam of {{convert|8|m|ftin}}. Furthermore, the displacement will be around {{convert|2900|tonne|LT|lk=on}}, with a complement of 34 to 42 people. The boat's armament includes six torpedo tubes and one multi-mission lock which can be used to deploy special forces. On 28 July 2023 they submitted a submarine design for the Walrus class replacement program that is called C718.{{cite web |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Deadline-day-voor-offertes-onderzeeboten-280723.html |title= Vervanging onderzeeboten: drie werven hebben hun offertes ingeleverd |author=Jaime Karremann |date=28 July 2023 |website= Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}} The offer includes knowledge transfer so that the Royal Netherlands Navy can perform maintenance and upgrade the submarines during their lifespan by themselves.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/07/saab-offers-four-expeditionary-submarines-to-the-netherlands/ |title= Saab offers four Expeditionary Submarines to the Netherlands |author= |date=28 July 2023 |website= Naval News}}{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/july/13396-saab-offers-proposes-c718-expeditionary-submarines-to-replace-current-netherlands-subs.html |title= Saab offers proposes C718 Expeditionary Submarines to replace current Netherlands subs |author= |date=28 July 2023 |website= Navy Recognition}}

• Naval Group announced that it is offering its newest submarine class, the Barracuda class, as replacement for the Walrus class.{{cite web |author=Richard Scott |date=14 December 2023 |title=Naval Group Offering Barracuda Family Submarine to the Netherlands |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/12/naval-group-offering-barracuda-family-submarine-to-the-netherlands/ |website=Naval News}} A version of the "Shortfin" diesel-electric variant Barracuda class was offered, the Blacksword,{{cite web |author=Conrad Waters |date=7 November 2024 |title=European submarine builders: riding the upturn |url=https://euro-sd.com/2024/11/articles/41364/european-submarine-builders-riding-the-upturn/ |website=European Security & Defence}} rather than the nuclear variant used by the French Navy.{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Naval-Group-biedt-Nederland-dieselelektrische-variant-van-nucleaire-barracuda-onderzeeboten-aan-010518.html|title=Franse werf Naval Group wil Nederland dieselelektrische variant van nucleaire onderzeeboot Barracuda aanbieden |publisher=Marineschepen |date=1 May 2018|accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}}

• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is (as of December 2019) planning to offer a Type 212CD submarine.{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/93222/netherlands-downselects-contenders-for-submarine-replacement |title=Netherlands downselects contenders for submarine replacement|publisher=Jane's 360|date=16 December 2019|accessdate=8 December 2022}}

Spain's Navantia's S-80 was not accepted as a contender following the B-letter in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Navantia-in-tegenaanval-wij-accepteren-redenen-uitschakeling-niet-201219.html|title=Navantia woest: redenen voor uitschakeling "slaan nergens op"|publisher=Marineschepen|date=20 December 2019 |accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}} In 2022 the Spanish Ministry of Defence sent a letter to the Dutch DMO for Navantia to be allowed to put in an offer following a RfQ sent to the remaining contenders, in which some of the requirements have changed. It is rumoured that the request was denied by DMO.{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Spanje-heeft-Defensie-gevraagd-of-Navantia-weer-in-aanbesteding-onderzeeboten-mag-171022.html|title=Spanje heeft om terugkeer in race Nederlandse onderzeeboten gevraagd |publisher=Marineschepen |date=17 October 2022|accessdate=8 December 2022|language=NL}}

On 15 March 2024 State Secretary for Defence Christophe van der Maat officially announced that Naval Group had been selected as the winning bid.{{cite web |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/nieuws/2024/03/15/bouw-nieuwe-onderzeeboten-voorlopig-gegund-aan-naval |title=Bouw nieuwe onderzeeboten voorlopig gegund aan Naval |publisher=Dutch Ministry of Defense |date=15 March 2024 |accessdate=15 March 2024 |language=nl}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/5440314/nieuwe-onderzeeers-heten-orka-zwaardvis-barracuda-en-tijgerhaai |title=Defensie bevestigt miljardenproject: nieuwe onderzeeërs heten Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda en Tijgerhaai |publisher=RTL Nieuws |date=15 March 2024 |accessdate=15 March 2024 |language=nl}}{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/the-netherlands-select-naval-group-for-its-new-submarines/ |title=The Netherlands Select Naval Group For Its New Submarines |publisher=Naval News |date=15 March 2024 |accessdate=15 March 2024}} The first two submarines will be delivered within ten years after the contract has been signed. Prior to this announcement, the winner was already leaked to several media outlets, which caused political backlash for choosing a foreign yard over a Dutch one.{{cite web |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Kamerdebat-onderzeeboten-geen-grote-veranderingen-140324.html |title=Kamerdebat onderzeeboten: zorgen en veel aandacht voor Nederlandse industrie, maar geen ingreep |publisher=Marineschepen.nl |date=14 March 2024 |accessdate=15 March 2024 |language=nl}} In April 2024, it was announced which ten Dutch companies and two knowledge institutions will be involved in the construction of the Orka class submarines.{{cite web |url=https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2024/04/05/franse-naval-maakt-bekend-welke-tien-nederlandse-bedrijven-meebouwen-aan-nieuwe-onderzeeboten/ |title= Franse Naval Group maakt bekend welke tien Nederlandse bedrijven meebouwen aan nieuwe onderzeeboten |author= Jelmer Bastiaans |date=5 April 2024|website= Schuttevaer |language=Dutch}}

On 10 September 2024 the Netherlands and Naval Group signed an industrial cooperation agreement (ICA).{{cite web |author=Fatima Bahtić |date=11 September 2024 |title=Naval Group signs deal with Netherlands for RNSC program |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/09/11/naval-group-signs-deal-with-netherlands-for-rnsc-program/ |website=Naval Today}}{{cite web |author= |date=12 September 2024 |title=Netherlands and Naval Group sign industrial cooperation agreement for submarine program. |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2024/netherlands-and-naval-group-sign-industrial-cooperation-agreement-for-submarine-program |website=Army Recognition}}{{cite web |author=Peter Felstead|date=12 September 2024 |title=Naval Group signs ICA with Dutch government ahead of future submarine contract |url=https://euro-sd.com/2024/09/major-news/40355/naval-group-ica-with-dutch-gov/ |website=European Security & Defence}} This binding agreement ensures that Naval Group and the Dutch defense and maritime industries will collaborate on the Orka-class submarines.{{cite web |author= |date=10 September 2024 |title=Industrial Cooperation Agreement signed between The Netherlands and Naval Group: a cornerstone agreement for the Netherlands defense and maritime industries |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/%e2%96%ba-industrial-cooperation-agreement-signed-between-the-netherlands-and-naval-group-a-cornerstone-agreement-for-the-netherlands-defense-and-maritime-industries |website=EDR Magazine}}{{cite web |author= |date=11 September 2024 |title=Industrial Cooperation Agreement signed between The Netherlands and Naval Group |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/09/industrial-cooperation-agreement-signed-between-the-netherlands-and-naval-group/ |website=Naval News}} It will also result in orders for the Dutch industry that will have a total worth of approximately one billion euros.{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=11 September 2024 |title=Industriële samenwerking voor bouw nieuwe onderzeeboten getekend |url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/ICA-industriele-samenwerkingsovereenkomst-onderzeeboten-ondertekend-100924.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author=Mariska Buitendijk |date=12 September 2024 |title=Dutch firms to land EUR 1 billion in submarine orders |url=https://swzmaritime.nl/news/2024/09/12/dutch-firms-to-land-eur-1-billion-in-submarine-orders/ |website=SWZ|Maritime}} That same month, on 30 September 2024, the Delivery Agreement for the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) programme was also signed between the Dutch Ministry of Defence and Naval Group.{{cite web |author=Peter Felstead |date=7 October 2024 |title=Naval Group signs contract to deliver Dutch navy’s future submarine fleet |url=https://euro-sd.com/2024/10/major-news/40690/rnsc-delivery-agreement-signed/ |website=European Security & Defence}}{{cite web |author=Mariska Buitendijk |date=1 October 2024 |title=Construction of Dutch Orka-class submarines to begin |url=https://swzmaritime.nl/news/2024/10/01/construction-of-dutch-orka-class-submarines-to-begin/ |website=SWZ|Maritime}}{{cite web |author=Fatima Bahtić |date=1 October 2024 |title=Naval Group, Netherlands shake hands on Orka-class submarines |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/10/01/naval-group-netherlands-shake-hands-on-orka-class-submarines/ |website=Naval Today}} The signing of this agreement marks the start of the replacement program.{{cite web |author= |date=30 September 2024 |title=Dutch MoD & Naval Group sign Orka-class submarines delivery contract |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/09/dutch-mod-naval-group-sign-orka-class-submarines-delivery-contract/ |website=Naval News}}

The submarines will be equipped with a Thales sonar suite, which will include bow, flank, and obstacle avoidance sonars, an underwater voice communication system, an intercept array, a passive towed-array sonar, and signal processing racks.{{cite web |author=Xavier Vavasseur |date=19 March 2025 |title=Thales to provide high-performance sonar suite for Dutch Orka-class submarines |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/thales-to-provide-high-performance-sonar-suite-for-dutch-orka-class-submarines/ |website=Naval News}}{{cite web |author= |date=20 March 2025 |title=Thales to provide sonar systems for Royal Netherlands Navy |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/thales-sonar-systems-rnn/ |website=Naval Technology}} The sensors in this sonar suite will be derived from the sensors that are installed in the systems equipping the French nuclear submarines of the Suffren-class.{{cite web |author=Rudy Ruitenberg |date=19 March 2025 |title=Thales to deliver sonar suite for future Dutch submarine fleet |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/19/thales-to-deliver-sonar-suite-for-future-dutch-submarine-fleet/ |website=Defense News}} Meanwhile, the passive towed-array sonar will make use of OptiArray technology from the Dutch company Optics11.{{cite web |author=Fatima Bahtić |date=19 March 2025 |title=Thales to supply sonar suite for Dutch Orka-class submarines |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2025/03/19/thales-to-supply-sonar-suite-for-dutch-orka-class-submarines/ |website=Naval Today }}{{cite web |author= |date=20 March 2025 |title=Thales and Optics11 Equip Dutch Submarines |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/03/thales-and-optics11-equip-dutch-submarines/ |website=Naval News}}

The names of the new submarines were announced by Van der Maat.{{cite web |author=Thomas Newdick |date=15 March 2024 |title=Dutch Choose French Design For New Tomahawk-Armed Submarines |url=https://www.twz.com/sea/dutch-choose-french-design-for-tomahawk-armed-new-submarines |website=The War Zone}} The class will be known as the Orka class, with the subs named Orka (Orca), Zwaardvis (Swordfish), Barracuda (Barracuda) and Tijgerhaai (Tiger shark).{{cite web |author=Jessica Bode |date=15 March 2024 |title='Beste onderzeeboot voor beste prijs' |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2024/02/02_nieuwe-onderzeeboten |website=Alle Hens |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}

• Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Service
• Future of the Royal Netherlands Navy
• {{sclass|Blekinge|submarine|1}}
• Attack-class submarine

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite magazine |author= |date=June 2024 |title=Kabinetbesluit Nieuwbouw |url=https://klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-168.pdf |magazine=Klaar voor Onderwater |location=Den Helder |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging |volume=48 |issue=168 |language=Dutch |pages=3-6}}
• {{cite report |author= |date=12 October 2020 |title=Vizier op de vervanging van de onderzeeboten: De studiefase doorgelicht |url=https://www.rekenkamer.nl/binaries/rekenkamer/documenten/publicaties/2020/10/12/vizier-op-de-vervanging-van-de-onderzeeboten/Bericht+Vervanging+onderzeeboten+WR.pdf |publisher=Algemene Rekenkamer |language=Dutch}}
• {{cite report |author= |date=23 May 2024 |title=Vizier op de vervanging van de onderzeeboten, deel 2: De verwervingsfase doorgelicht |url=https://www.rekenkamer.nl/binaries/rekenkamer/documenten/rapporten/2024/05/23/vizier-op-de-vervanging-van-de-onderzeeboten-deel-2/PAC21+rapport+Onderzeeboot.pdf |publisher=Algemene Rekenkamer |language=Dutch}}

{{Orka class submarines}}

Category:Submarines of the Netherlands

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Category:Military acquisition

Category:Military projects

Category:Proposed ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy

Category:Submarine classes