News item | 01-03-2024 | 2:05 PM
Over the next 15 years, Defense will replace almost all large surface ships of the Royal Navy. The acquisition of new Air Defense and Command frigates (LC frigates) and their armament is an important part of this. The Dutch maritime manufacturing industry is closely involved in this project, which, with a budget of several billion euros, is the largest maritime project that Defense is currently working on. State Secretary Van der Maat reported this today.
Defense has 4 LC frigates, which are replaced 1 for 1. They form an important part of the combat power at sea. They can protect a maritime task force, civilian ships and coastal areas against air threats such as drones, aircraft, helicopters and anti-ship missiles. Furthermore, the LC frigates have important facilities for the commander of a maritime task group.
The current frigates will reach the end of their service life in the next decade. The ships’ anti-aircraft missile armament is also due for renewal. These projects are therefore combined.
Security
State Secretary Van der Maat wants to involve the Dutch industry at an early stage in the replacement process and enter into collaboration with companies such as Damen Naval and Thales Netherlands. Damen Naval is in the picture for the ship platform and Thales NL is in the picture for the radar and fire control system.
“With this approach we consciously choose to pursue industrial policy. It strengthens the Dutch defense industry in a sector where the Netherlands has a leading international position and thus contributes to the strengthening of European strategic autonomy.”
Defense also wants to work earlier and more intensively with Dutch industry on future naval projects, such as the purchase of Amphibious Transport Ships.
Defense is also keen to see European partners join the project. Denmark, Germany and Norway are also considering replacing their frigates in the near future. With this project, the Netherlands wants to act as a driver and catalyst for cooperation.
Armament
Just like the current LC frigates, the new frigates will have a so-called ‘layered’ defense, with different types of missiles that complement each other in terms of range. This allows enemy targets to be neutralized from close to the ship to great heights. Preference is given to a family of rockets from one manufacturer. Furthermore, part of the armament and equipment of the current LC frigates will be transferred to the new ones. Consider the SMART-L radars and 127 mm guns.
Planning and naming
In the coming years, Defense will carry out several major naval construction projects. This includes the Anti Submarine Warfare frigates for anti-submarine warfare, the replacement of the submarines and the new Amphibious Transport Ships.
Defense carefully distributes the available personnel capacity for this combination of projects. Based on current knowledge, Defense expects the delivery of the first frigate by 2034 at the latest. The current fleet will therefore continue to sail for up to 2 years longer than expected.
The 1st new frigate should be operational in 2036. The next ships will follow 1.5 years later. The 4th new frigate should be fully operational in 2041.
The State Secretary also wants to involve society in the naming of the new LC frigates. This is still being worked out.