Naval Group inks deal to deliver Barracuda submarines to the Netherlands for around €5 billion. CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet signed the contract with Dutch defense secretary Gijs Tuinman, replacing the Walrus-class vessels. Naval Group partnered with Dutch Royal IHC to secure the deal over competitors Saab Kockums and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The vessels will be built in Cherbourg, France, with key components from the Netherlands, ensuring industrial expertise and strategic autonomy.
The Barracuda submarine, designed for expeditionary missions, showcases the Netherlands’ ambitions with advanced technology like lithium-ion batteries for longer underwater operation and the ability to fire American Tomahawk missiles. Meanwhile, Canada is seeking 12 submarines capable of sailing under pack ice, reflecting the changing geostrategic landscape with melting ice opening strategic routes in the Arctic.
As global powers assert their presence in the polar region, defense contracts for advanced submarines highlight the importance of underwater capabilities in evolving military and commercial scenarios.
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