Netherlands inks contract for F21 heavyweight torpedoes for Orka-class subs

June 17, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense and France’s Naval Group have signed a contract for the supply of F21 heavyweight torpedoes to equip the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future Orka-class submarines.

As informed, the F21 torpedo was qualified in 2019 and is currently operated on the French Navy’s SSNs and SSBNs as well as the Brazilian Navy’s SSKs.

Naval Group also supports navies in autonomously operating and maintaining their torpedoes, providing adequate crew training, simulators, and feedback from live-fire exercises.

With this contract, the Royal Netherlands Navy will become the first NATO SSK fleet to operate the F21 heavyweight torpedoes.

“We are honoured for the selection of the F21 torpedo as one of the weapons of reference for the Orka-class submarines. With this contract, we further deepen our strategic partnership and we look forward to the next phases of our cooperation,” said Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

“The signing of this contract for the F21 torpedo marks an important step in our strategic partnership. The weapon system will be integrated into the future Orka-class submarines, enhancing the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy. We look forward to the next phases in our cooperation,” commented Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT).

In 2024, Naval Group signed a delivery agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defense for the four new Orka-class submarines. The program encompasses the replacement of the Walrus-class submarines currently operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Naval Group, Netherlands shake hands on Orka-class submarines

Vessels

The Orka-class is based on Naval Group’s conventionally powered Barracuda-family design, adapted for Dutch requirements.

According to Naval Group, the Orka-class submarines are designed as expeditionary platforms capable of operating at long range and for extended periods. The company says the boats will provide advanced stealth, endurance and combat capabilities while supporting missions such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, protection of maritime interests and operations alongside allied navies.

They are expected to enter service in the mid-2030s.