(Updated with details, quote)
March 15 (Reuters) – The Dutch government said on Friday it had chosen France’s Naval Group to build four submarines, in a deal seen as a potential lifeline for the nation’s naval industry.
Naval Group is committed to delivering the first two submarines within ten years of signing the contract, the Dutch Ministry of Defense said in a press release.
Barracuda-type submersibles, which will be able to operate in shallow waters and participate in remote missions, will replace the four aging Walrus.
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The deal still needs to be approved by the Dutch parliament, where several parties have expressed dissatisfaction with Naval’s choice.
This week, a group of elected officials urged the government to review its position and instead opt for a consortium made up of Dutch shipbuilder Damen and Swedish defense company Saab, to further benefit the national industry.
Defense Minister Christophe van der Maat said on Friday that this agreement with Naval would also create jobs in Dutch industry.
“This decision is (…) not only good for the Navy and our security interests, but certainly also for Dutch companies and the strengthening of our knowledge position,” the ministry commented.
The rumor of an agreement had caused controversy due to uncertainty over the location of the submarines’ construction, which was not specified.
The exact value of the contract has not been revealed but it could reach 2.5 to 6 billion euros, French and Dutch media reported. (Reporting Bart Meijer, written by Corentin Chappron and Kate Entringer, edited by Sophie Louet)
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