France and Netherlands deepen submarine partnership with €5.6 billion contract

On 17 July, the Netherlands and French shipbuilder Naval Group signed an amendment to their industrial cooperation agreement in The Hague. The deal expands the joint programme to build four new Dutch submarines of the Orka class—named Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda and Tijgerhaai—and to equip them with France's heavy‑weight F21 torpedoes. Valued at about €5.6 billion, the contract secures Dutch industry participation in metal work, surface‑treatment and advanced electronics, while reinforcing long‑term strategic autonomy for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

The amendment follows the original 2024 agreement and confirms a twenty‑year framework for maintenance, modernisation and knowledge‑sharing between the French and Dutch naval sectors.