Under the terms of the contract, Royal IHC will develop and deliver high-quality modules and steel structures for all four submarines. This represents the largest Dutch industrial contribution to the Orka-class project.
Naval Group, as the programme’s main contractor, will build the submarines to support future national and international security operations. These vessels are expected to enter service in the next decade, with missions including deterrence, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
The partnership follows years of joint preparation between Royal IHC and Naval Group, which began in 2018. Most of the work will take place in the Netherlands, involving close collaboration with Dutch suppliers to support the country’s maritime industry.
“As a Dutch supplier of maritime technology, we are proud to make a high-tech contribution to this strategic project,” said Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC. “This contract underscores the confidence in the quality and expertise of Royal IHC.”
Te Bokkel also praised other Dutch partners involved in the programme. “The choice for strong Dutch industrial involvement is essential for the preservation and further development of our knowledge base, employment, and economic strength,” he added.
Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands of Naval Group, highlighted the long-term cooperation. “The collaboration with Royal IHC is based on its proven expertise in underwater technology and the construction of complex naval vessels,” he said.
“Since 2018, we have invested heavily together in knowledge building and technological integration,” Donderwinkel continued. “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.”
Construction of the submarine modules is set to begin in the second half of 2026. Royal IHC will establish new secure facilities at its site to support the production of these sensitive and complex systems.
The project is expected to create or preserve several hundred direct and indirect jobs in the Netherlands. With the Orka-class submarines, the country ensures a future-proof naval capability that will support both national defence and allied missions.
