Walrus-class submarine

In 1974, the Royal Netherlands Navy announced, through the Ministry of Defence's 10-year plan {{interlanguage link|Defensienota 1974|lt=Defensienota 1974|nl}}, that it wanted to replace its aging {{sclass|Dolfijn|submarine|1}}s.H. Vredeling, C.L.J. van Lent, A. Stemerdink, p. 61. Since the 1960s, the Royal Netherlands Navy had been conducting studies and research into a suitable replacement attack submarine.{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/walrus.htm|title=Walrus|work=www.globalsecurity.org | access-date=22 June 2018}} This research initiative concluded that the Netherlands should build conventional diesel-electric submarines, as nuclear submarines were costly and could only be constructed, crewed, and maintained by countries with major navies such as the United States, France and the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, even with the diesel-electric submarine, the Dutch government sought to work together with international allies to reduce construction costs.

File:Bouw van de Zeeleeuw (S803) bij de Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (2158 017232).jpg

Between 1975 and 1978, the design of the Walrus class was for the most part completed, and included many improvements which would result in new, state-of-the-art submarines that would mark a significant improvement over previous submarines used by the Royal Netherlands Navy.{{cite web|url=http://www.navyinside.nl/frontpage/onderzeeboten_walrusklasse|title=Onderzeeboten "Walrusklasse"|work=www.navyinside.nl|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328041240/http://www.navyinside.nl/frontpage/onderzeeboten_walrusklasse|archive-date=2018-03-28|url-status=dead}} For example, a special kind of French-produced steel was used to construct the hull of the Walrus-class submarines; this steel proved to be more elastic, allowing submarines of the class to dive deeper than previous submarines.Miller and Miller (1986), p. 171. Furthermore, there was a focus on automation which was aimed at decreasing the manpower required to operate the submarines, while also making them more effective against threats.{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/schepen/walrus.html|title=Walrusklasse onderzeeboten |work=www.marineschepen.nl |date=10 November 2016 | access-date=27 March 2018}}

On 19 June 1979, Minister of Defense Willem Scholten signed a contract worth 425 million guilders with the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (RDM) to build two submarines to replace the Dolfijn-class submarines, with the construction of the second boat to commence the following year.{{cite web|url=https://www.rdm-archief.nl/RDM-NB/RDM-348.html|title=Bouwnummer RDM-348, Hr. Ms. "Walrus", 1992, onderzeeboot. |work=www.rdm-archief.nl | access-date=22 June 2018}} Soon, RDM noticed that the new submarines could not be built the same way as the {{sclass|Zwaardvis|submarine|1}}s; it had to use new techniques to build the submarines. Furthermore, the design was constantly modified to incorporate new developments in the submarine world, which led to issues that slowed the building process. Nonetheless, construction continued and on 11 October 1979, {{HNLMS|Walrus|1985|6}} was laid down. Two years later, on 24 September 1981, {{HNLMS|Zeeleeuw|1987|6}} was laid down.

Unexpectedly, on 19 February 1983, RDM's parent company Rijn-Schelde-Verolme declared bankruptcy, despite successive governments providing 2.2 billion guilders in state aid to RSV.{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/475776-rsv-debacle-viert-30ste-verjaardag.html|title=RSV-debacle viert 30ste verjaardag|language=nl|work=www.nos.nl |date=19 February 2013 | access-date=22 June 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://anderetijden.nl/aflevering/175/De-RSV-enquete|title=De RSV-enquête|language=nl|work=www.anderetijden.nl |date=19 February 2012 | access-date=22 June 2018}} This was problematic because the construction of the Walrus-class submarines was far from completion. To ensure construction of the submarines continued, RDM was re-established as an independent company. Furthermore, the Royal Netherlands Navy ordered an additional two Walrus-class submarines earlier than planned to assist RDM financially. However, at this time the Walrus-class submarines were facing many problems.{{cite web|url=https://leiden.courant.nu/issue/LD/1984-11-21/edition/0/page/5|title=Kamer stemt in met 'zuivering': Reorganisatie van marinetop|language=nl|work=www.leiden.courant.nu |date=21 November 1984 | access-date=22 June 2018}} One of these problems was that the specifications of the Walrus class submarines were only finalized in 1984.{{cite web |author=W. F. van Eekelen |url=https://militairespectator.nl/artikelen/nieuwe-onderzeeboten-nieuwe-risicos-en-nieuwe-kansen|title=Nieuwe onderzeeboten, nieuwe risico’s en nieuwe kansen|language=Dutch|website=Militaire Spectator |date=23 October 2019}} Since construction had already started by that time, the first two boats had to be lengthened by 1 meter, at a cost of 10 million Dutch guilder per boat, to fit all equipment.

File:Onderzeeboot Hr.Ms. Walrus (S802) De Walrus gaat "op wieltjes" (2158 016772).jpg

New problems arose on 14 August 1986, when the command centre of Walrus caught fire, while it was still on a scaffold in the shipyard.de Bles, Boven and Homburg (2006), p. 104 The fire lasted about five hours, and resulted in immense damage to the submarine; the command center was completely burned out.{{cite web|url=https://www.rdm-archief.nl/RDM-NB/RDM-353.html|title=Bouwnummer RDM-353, Hr. Ms. "Bruinvis", 1994, onderzeeboot. |work=www.rdm-archief.nl | access-date=16 June 2018}} While some equipment could be rescued, most had to be replaced. This delayed the construction of the submarines once again because the equipment that was ordered for the next boats had to be transferred to finish the Walrus.Grove (1990), p. 179. The costs of the resulting damage from the fire was 225 million guilders, which was fully covered by insurance.Horneman (2018), p. 17. The exact location, origin and cause of the fire was never established.Nooteboom (2001), p. 148. Presumably, the fire was caused in the vicinity of the corporals and men's washroom by a defect in the electrical work lighting. Repairs were reported as complete in 1987, but had so delayed construction of Walrus that the second submarine (with construction number 349) was put into service as the first of the class, with the name HNLMS Zeeleeuw (sea lion). HNLMS Walrus was put into service two years later. The two other boats were put into service as {{HNLMS|Dolfijn|1990|6}} and {{HNLMS|Bruinvis|1992|6}} (porpoise). The delays meant that {{HNLMS|Dolfijn|S808}}, {{HNLMS|Potvis|S804|6}} and {{HNLMS|Tonijn|S805|6}} of the Dolfijn class had to remain in service longer than planned. All the problems, delays and rising costs were eventually dubbed by the Dutch national parliament as the "Walrus-affair". Nonetheless, at the time of their commissioning, the Walrus-class submarines were considered to be one of the most modern and advanced conventional submarines in operation.

File:Onderzeeboot Hr.Ms. Zeeleeuw (S803), in de kuip op uitkijk (2158 017261).jpg

File:Onderzeeboot Hr.Ms. Zeeleeuw (S803) interieur, centrale (2158 017254).jpg

File:Onderzeeboot Hr.Ms. Zeeleeuw (S803) boegbuiskamer. Torpedoladen (2158 017264).jpg

The Walrus-class submarine was designed by Jan Jaap van Rijn, at the time Chief Bureau of Submarines (Dutch: Hoofd Bureau Onderzeeboten) at the Directorate of Materiel of the Royal Netherlands Navy (Dutch: Directie Materieel van de Koninklijke Marine).{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=17 December 2014 |title=Exclusief interview over ontwerp en bouw Walrusklasse onderzeeboten |url=https://marineschepen.nl/dossiers/ontwerp-en-bouw-walrus-klasse-onderzeeboten.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite web |author=Jaime Karremann |date=18 December 2014 |title=De oude ingenieurs over de nieuwe onderzeeboten (Deel II) |url=https://marineschepen.nl/dossiers/nieuwe-onderzeeboten-volgens-ontwerpers-walrusklasse.html |website=Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite magazine |author= |date=March 2021 |title=Ing. JJ van Rijn, “Het Brein” |url= |magazine=Klaar voor Onderwater|volume=44 |issue=155 |location=Den Helder |pages=17-19}}

The Walrus-class submarines are unusual in that instead of a cross-shaped assembly of stern diving planes and rudders, they mount four combined rudders and diving planes in an "X" configuration.{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/walrus-class-submarines/|title=Walrus-Class Submarines|website=www.naval-technology.com|access-date=2018-06-22}} This tail configuration was first tested in 1960 on the United States Navy's {{USS|Albacore|AGSS-569|6}}, and has since been used by the Walrus class, all Swedish Navy submarines since the {{sclass|Sjöormen|submarine|4}}, the Royal Australian Navy's {{sclass|Collins|submarine|4}}, the German Navy Type 212A and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's {{sclass|Sōryū|submarine|4}}. The X configuration is a complex system and therefore not implemented by many other navies around the world.

The submarines of the Walrus class, when submerged, are silent and therefore difficult to detect by ships, planes and other submarines once they go into hiding.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/schepen/onderzeeboten|title=Onderzeeboten|website=www.defensie.nl|language=nl-NL|access-date=2018-06-22|date=2015-11-30}} This makes the boats very suitable for combating surface vessels and submarines, protecting friendly units, gathering information, providing early warning detection, and supporting special operations. The submarines can also be used to enforce international sanctions, as they did during the Yugoslav Wars.{{Cite web|url=https://sail.nl/schepen/marineschepen/onderzeeboten|title=Onderzeeboten|website=www.sail.nl|language=nl-NL|access-date=2017-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330012330/https://sail.nl/schepen/marineschepen/onderzeeboten|archive-date=2018-03-30|url-status=dead}}

The Walrus-class submarines were specifically designed for hunting Russian submarines during the Cold War. However, the Cold War had ended by the time they became operational. Nonetheless, they have provided excellent services in various international conflict situations in which the deployment of the Royal Netherlands Navy was requested. Since the Dutch submarines have acquired a good reputation, they are often part of international exercises, taking part in mock battles.{{Cite web|url=https://english.defensie.nl/downloads/leaflets/2017/04/20/the-royal-netherlands-navy-in-focus|title=The Royal Netherlands Navy in Focus|website=www.defensie.nl|language=nl-NL|page=35|date=2017-04-20|access-date=2018-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140151/https://english.defensie.nl/downloads/leaflets/2017/04/20/the-royal-netherlands-navy-in-focus|archive-date=2018-06-22|url-status=dead}}

In March 2023 it was reported that the Dutch government wants to buy Tomahawks for the Walrus class submarines.{{cite web |url= https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Maritime-strike-voor-LCF-en-Walrusklasse-150323.html |title= Langeafstandsraketten voor fregatten en onderzeeboten; Tomahawk testlancering in 2024 |author= Jaime Karremann |date=16 March 2023|website= Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}}{{cite magazine |last=Zijlstra |first=Martin |date=11 April 2023 |title=Onderzeeboot en LCF krijgen ‘lange arm’ |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2023/03/03_tomahawks |magazine=Alle Hens |publisher=Koninklijke Marine |language=Dutch}} The Tomahawks would be the Torpedo Tube Launch (TTL) version, which can be fired from the torpedo tubes of the submarines.{{cite web |url= https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/04/netherlands-selects-tomahawk-to-arm-frigate-and-submarines/ |title= Netherlands Selects Tomahawk to Arm Frigate and Submarines |author= Tayfun Ozberk |date=13 April 2023|website= Naval News}} However, at the same time it was also stated that if the delivery of this version of the Tomahawk would take too long to deliver it might not be feasible to integrate them on the Walrus class, as these submarines will replaced in the 2030s by a new class of submarines.{{cite web |url= https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Marine-krijgt-Tomahawk-kruisvluchtwapen-040423.html|title= In 2027 eerste Nederlandse fregat met Tomahawk |author= Jaime Karremann |date=4 April 2023|website= Marineschepen.nl |language=Dutch}} In May 2025 it was disclosed that the Walrus class submarines will not be equipped with Tomahawks.{{cite report |author= |date=21 May 2025 |title=Defensie Projectenoverzicht 2025 |url=https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/publicaties/2025/05/21/defensie-projectenoverzicht-2025/web_202500503_DPO+Rapportage+2025.pdf |website=Defensie.nl |publisher=Ministry of Defence |language=Dutch |page=63}}{{cite web |author=Xavier Vavasseur |date=23 May 2025 |title=Netherlands abandons Tomahawk integration in submarines |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/05/netherlands-abandons-tomahawk-integration-in-submarines/ |website=Naval News}}

File:Onderzeeboot Hr.Ms. Zeeleeuw (1990-). Boven water varend (2158 042290).jpg

After the Cold War, the submarines have been tasked with many highly confidential intelligence gathering operations, many of which are still classified.{{cite magazine |last=Koenen |first=Sander |date=September 2009 |title=Kopje Onder |url=https://www.klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-109.pdf |magazine=Klaar Voor Onderwater |location=Den Helder |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging |issue=109|volume=32 |pages=3-9 |language=Dutch}} They have operated in the Northern Atlantic, Mediterranean Yugoslavian region, the Persian Gulf at Iran and Iraq, and the Caribbean, often upon the request of allies, including the United States.de Bles, Boven and Homburg (2006), pp. 104–105

In June 2010, the Netherlands agreed to deploy one submarine to help combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.{{cite news|title=Nederlandse Onderzeeboot tegen piraten|url=https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/nederlandse-onderzeeboot-tegen-piraten~b57ed492|date=2010-06-22}}

In November 2016, the Russian Navy claimed to have chased off a Walrus-class vessel from a battle group that included the {{ship|Russian aircraft carrier|Admiral Kuznetsov|4=2}}.{{cite news|title=Russia ships 'chase away' Dutch submarine in Mediterranean|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37928222|publisher=BBC|access-date=10 November 2016|date=2016-11-09}}

File:Onderzeeboot Hr.Ms. Zeeleeuw (S803) interieur, machinekamer (2158 017256).jpg

The Walrus-class submarines are used for the Submarine Command Course (SMCC) for both national and international candidates (including the UK, Australia and Canada), selecting and training future commanders of conventional submarines. They are highly rated, with an exceptional reputation.de Bles, Boven and Homburg (2006), p. 105 The Royal Netherlands Navy began this course after the British Royal Navy phased out their conventional submarines.

File:De Zr.Ms. Zeeleeuw in 2014 voor onderhoud op de wal.JPG

In 2007, the Dutch cabinet approved an upgrade of the four operational submarines and recruitment of additional crew to improve overall operational availability.{{cite web|url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2016/01/04_update-walrusklasse |title=Terug in de eredivisie |date=10 February 2016 |last=Twigt |first=André |access-date=23 November 2017}} The upgrades were focused on near-shore operations and integration with new weapons, and include:

• The migration from the MK 48 mod-4 torpedo to the mod-7 version{{Cite web |url= https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2016/06/mg201607life-extension-ozb |title= Opknapbeurt voegt dimensie toe |author= André Twigt |date=30 September 2016|website= Materieelgezien |publisher= Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}
• Replacing one periscope with a non-hull-penetrating optronic mast from L-3 KEO which enables the submarine to capture HD footage, both day and night{{Cite web |url= https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2015/04/04zeeleeuw |title= Beter zicht voor de Zeeleeuw |author= Pieter van Geldere |date=5 June 2015|website= Materieelgezien |publisher= Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}
• Addition of a mine and obstacle avoidance sonar by ELAC Nautik
• Refurbishing of the pressure hull{{cite magazine |last=Kesseler |first=Andre |date=December 2012 |title=Klaar voor het bruine water |url=https://www.klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-122.pdf |magazine=Klaar Voor Onderwater |location=Den Helder |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging |issue=122|volume=35 |pages=11-16 |language=Dutch}}
• Introduction of a new combat management system
• Modifications to support special operations forces

In 2013, the contract for the Walrus-class (IP-W) Conservation Program was signed.{{cite web|url=https://maritiemnieuws.nl/47167/imtech-marine-ontvangt-meerjarige-opdracht-voor-modernisering-van-onderzeeboten/ |title=Imtech Marine ontvangt meerjarige opdracht voor modernisering van onderzeeboten |date=23 May 2013 |language=nl|access-date=22 June 2018}} The program covered the preservation of the pressure skin, the replacement of the sonar, navigation periscope and GIPSY combat system, improved communication systems and adaptations to a number of platform systems.{{cite web|url=https://www.kijkmagazine.nl/nieuws/upgrade-nederlandse-onderzeeboten-van-start/ |title=Upgrade Nederlandse onderzeeboten van start |date=13 May 2013 |last=Kesseler|first=André|language=nl|access-date=22 June 2018}} The Dutch industry and knowledge institutes were heavily involved in the program via the Dutch Underwater Knowledge Centre.van Kesteren (2020), p. 13.Horneman (2018), p. 82.{{cite web |url= https://www.vno-ncw.nl/forum/verborgen-wapen-onderzeeboten-vol-nederlandse-techniek |title= Verborgen wapen: onderzeeboten vol Nederlandse techniek |author= |date= 15 May 2017|website= VNO-NCW |language=Dutch}} It was predicted that the upgrade program would lead to a estimated 400.000 man-hours of work for each boat.{{cite magazine |last=Booy |first=Arie |date=September 2012 |title=Maatwerk in een bakbeest |url=https://www.klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-121.pdf |magazine=Klaar Voor Onderwater |location=Den Helder |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging |issue=121|volume=35 |pages=9-10 |language=Dutch}} All four boats were to be modernized by 2019. With the conservation program, the boats can be kept operational until mid-2025.{{cite magazine |last=Steketee |first=Menno |date=December 2011 |title=Nederlandse onderzeeboten krijgen een nieuwe toekomst |url=https://www.klaarvooronderwater.nl/kvo/Kvo-118.pdf |magazine=Klaar Voor Onderwater |location=Den Helder |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging |issue=118|volume=34 |pages=5-8 |language=Dutch}} The cost of upgrading the four submarines was estimated to be 94 million euros.{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/schepen/walrus.html#ip-w |title=Instandhoudingsprogramma Walrusklasse (IP-W) |date=10 November 2016 |last=Karremann |first=Jaime |access-date=24 November 2017}} The first boat to be upgraded was {{HNLMS|Zeeleeuw|1987|2}}, followed by {{HNLMS|Dolfijn|1990|2}}, {{HNLMS|Bruinvis|1992|2}} and {{HNLMS|Walrus|1985|2}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.iv-groep.nl/nl-NL/Nieuws/Archief-2015/The-first-modified-Walrus-class-submarine-has-been |title=Eerste gemodificeerde Walrusklasse onderzeeboot te water, een mooi project van Nevesbu! |date=December 2015 |access-date=24 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031737/https://www.iv-groep.nl/nl-NL/Nieuws/Archief-2015/The-first-modified-Walrus-class-submarine-has-been |archive-date=2017-12-01 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2017/11/02_de-ultieme-test-mercuur-en-zeeleeuw |title=Mercuur en Zeeleeuw maken nieuwe start |date=2 November 2017 |last=Perreijn |first=Djenna |access-date=25 November 2017}} The upgrade of Zeeleeuw took longer than expected. Initially the upgrade was expected to have been completed by 2015, but it took until 2016 before the submarine was ready for service again. Currently,{{when|date=March 2024}} Bruinvis is being upgraded at the Den Helder naval base. The Royal Netherlands Navy has also begun to prepare for the replacement of the Walrus-class submarines.{{cite web|url=https://www.trouw.nl/home/wie-mag-de-grootste-militaire-aankoop-sinds-de-jsf-gaan-bouwen-~ade97bfa/|title=Wie mag de grootste militaire aankoop sinds de JSF gaan bouwen?|author=Marno de Boer |work=www.trouw.nl |date=5 June 2018 | access-date=5 June 2018}}

{{Main|Walrus-class replacement program}}

In November 2014, the Dutch Minister of Defence announced plans to replace the Walrus-class submarines{{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 |work=UPI.com |date=22 January 2015 |last=Tomkins |first=Richard |access-date=3 March 2015}} in 2025. 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 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|language=nl |publisher=Dutch Ministry of Defense |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018}} 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.{{update inline|date=September 2020}} 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|language=nl |publisher=BNDeStem |date=27 March 2018 |last1=Keultjes |first1=Hanneke |last2=Boere |first2=Raymond |access-date=27 March 2018}} In mid-2021 it was indicated that a revised plan envisaged taking a replacement decision 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| date=June 2021 }} However, in 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", possibly incorporating a life extension refit for the existing Walrus-class boats.{{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|date=31 October 2021}}

In April 2022 it was announced that two of the Walrus-class boats would be extended in service until the mid-2030s and that in order to do so safely a different maintenance approach would have to be adopted for the entire fleet with one of the four existing boats to be decommissioned in the short-term, followed by a second boat later.{{cite magazine |last1=Bode |first1=Jessica |last2=Margés |first2=Joost |date=13 April 2022 |title=Langer door met minder boten |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2022/03/03_ozb |magazine=Alle Hens |publisher=Koninklijke Marine |language=Dutch}} On 16 November 2022 it was revealed that Walrus would be the first boat to be decommissioned sometime in 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Onderzeeboot-Walrus-in-2023-uit-dienst-161122.html |title=Onderzeeboot Zr.Ms. Walrus in 2023 uit dienst |publisher=Marineschepen.nl |access-date=22 November 2022 |language=nl}} Walrus was decommissioned in October 2023.{{cite web |last1=Defensie |first1=Ministerie van |title=Zr.Ms. Walrus na 31 operationele jaren uit dienst gesteld - Nieuwsbericht - Defensie.nl |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/10/12/zr.ms.-walrus-na-31-operationele-jaren-uit-dienst-gesteld |website=www.defensie.nl |language=nl-NL |date=12 October 2023}} The revised schedule for the 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 | date=3 April 2022 }}

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

• Damen Group and Saab Group announced that they had 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 | access-date=8 December 2017}} It was announced on 1 June 2018 that their design was to 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|work=www.marineschepen.nl |date=5 June 2018 | access-date=1 June 2018}}Stichting Nederlandse Industrie voor Defensie en Veiligheid magazine editie 2-2018 (June 2018), accessed 12 June 2018, pp. 11-12. The proposed submarine is around {{convert|73|m|ftin|abbr=on}} long with a diameter of {{convert|8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. Furthermore, the displacement will be around 2,900 tonnes, with a complement of 34 to 42 personnel. The boat's armament includes 6 torpedo tubes and 1 multi-mission lock which can be used to deploy special forces.
• Naval Group announced that it was offering its newest submarine class, the Barracuda class, as replacement for the Walrus class. A version of the "Shortfin" diesel-electric variant Barracuda class was to be offered, 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 |work=www.marineschepen.nl |date=1 May 2018 | access-date=1 May 2018}}
• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems was 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 | first = Nicholas | last = Fiorenza | date = 2019-12-16 | work = Jane's 360}}

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.nl |date=20 December 2019 |accessdate=22 November 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 the announcement that a RFQ will be sent to the remaining contenders, in which some of the requirements had changed. It was 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.nl |date=17 October 2022 |accessdate=22 November 2022 |language=NL}}

On 16 November 2022 the RFQ was sent out to the three remaining shipyards. It was expected they would submit their bids around mid-2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/11/netherlands-submarine-replacement-program-rfq-sent-to-3-shipbuilders/ |title=Netherlands' Submarine Replacement Program: RFQ Sent To 3 Shipbuilders |date=16 November 2022 |publisher=Naval News |access-date=22 November 2022 |language=EN}} In June 2023 it was reported that the three shipyards had to submit their bids by 28 July 2023 at the latest.{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/june/13238-netherlands-ministry-of-defence-explains-award-process-for-new-submarines.html |title= Netherlands Ministry of Defence explains award process for new submarines |author= |date=16 June 2023|website=Navy Recognition |publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}

On 15 March 2024 State Secretary for Defence Christophe van der Maat officially announced that Naval Group from France has 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 |access-date=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 |access-date=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}} 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 |access-date=15 March 2024 |language=nl}}

The names of the new submarines where also announced by Van der Maat. The class will be known as the {{sclass|Orka|submarine|4}}, with the subs named Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda and Tijgerhaai. The first two will be delivered within ten years after the contract has been signed.

All boats were built by RDM.

• List of submarine classes in service
• Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Service

{{reflist}}

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• {{cite magazine |author=|editor1-last=van Kesteren |editor1-first=E.E. |title=De Aanloop Naar IPW |magazine=Klaar voor Onderwater: Vereniging voor aktief en oud onderzeedienstpersoneel |location=Julianadorp |publisher=Onderzeedienst Reünistenvereniging|volume=43 |issue=154|issn=2214-6202 |date=December 2020 |pages=13–20|language=Dutch}}

• {{cite book |editor-last=Darman |editor-first=Peter |date=2004 |title=Twenty-first Century Submarines and Warships |series=Military Handbooks|location=Rochester |publisher=Grange Books |isbn=1-84013-678-2}}
• {{cite book|last1=Jalhay|first1=P.C.|last2=Wijn|first2=J.J.A.|title=Ik nader ongezien! De onderzeeboten van de Koninklijke Marine|year=1997|publisher=De Bataafsche Leeuw|location=Amsterdam|isbn=978-9067074629}}
• {{cite book |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |date= 2015 |title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2015-2016 |location=Coulsdon, Surrey |publisher= Janes Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-3143-5}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://nlnavy.damen.com/#submarines Walrus-class submarines]

{{Walrus class submarines}}

{{Modern Dutch submarines}}

{{Post1945DutchShips}}

Category:Submarine classes