Naval Group and Royal IHC join hands on Dutch Orka-class submarines

Royal IHC and Naval Group have signed an agreement for the supply of key components for the new Orka-class submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Naval Group, as the main contractor of the Ministry of Defense, is building four Orka-class submarines. These submarines will be operational in the next decade for national and international security tasks, including deterrence, intelligence gathering, and special operations.

Royal IHC will be responsible for the development and delivery of modules and steel structures for all four vessels, making this project “the largest Dutch industrial contribution within the Orka-class program”.

Since 2018, Naval Group and Royal IHC have collaborated intensively to further develop their knowledge and expertise in submarine construction in the Netherlands. The work by Royal IHC will largely take place in the Netherlands, in close cooperation with other Dutch suppliers.

The construction of the modules is expected to start in the second half of 2026. For this, Royal IHC will set up new facilities and secure zones at its location, suitable for the production of these highly sensitive and complex systems. 

“As a Dutch supplier of maritime technology, we are proud to make a high-tech contribution to this strategic project. This contract underscores the confidence in the quality and expertise of Royal IHC. We also congratulate all of the other Dutch partners who play a role in this programme. The choice for strong Dutch industrial involvement is essential for the preservation and further development of our knowledge base, employment, and economic strength,” Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC, commented.

“The collaboration with Royal IHC is based on its proven expertise in underwater technology and the construction of complex naval vessels. Since 2018, we have invested heavily together in knowledge building and technological integration. The contribution of Royal IHC is of great value to the success of this programme and confirms the importance of sustainable industrial cooperation within Europe,” Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands of Naval Group, added.

To remind, 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.