The Royal Netherland’s Navy (RNLN) is set to receive the first modified Walrus-class submarine, S803 Zeeleeuw.
The launch of the submarine, which is now ready to be commissioned, marks a key milestone in the life extension programme (LEP) of the Walrus-class submarines.
As the platform system integrator for this project, Nevesbu performed engineering necessary to allow embedding of all modifications, including new systems, on-board the submarines.
Started in May 2013, the Walrus-class LEP aims to extend the submarines service life to at least 2025, and to increase their operability in coastal waters.
Under the programme, the next submarine, S808 Dolfijn, will be ready to be launched in March 2016.
The Walrus-class fleet is comprised of four vessels, including the S802 Walrus, S803 Zeeleeuw, S808 Dolfijn, and S810 Bruinvis.
The ships were built indigenously by Rotterdamse Droogdok Mij (RDM), a Norwegian shipbuilding and ship repair company.
The 222ft-long Walrus-class attack submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy have a submerged speed of 20k and a range of approximately 11,500 miles when travelling at 9k.
Armed with four 21in Honeywell Mk 48 Mod 4 and Mk 48 ADCAP, the submarines can carry 40 mines in lieu of torpedoes.
In January this year, Saab signed a collaboration deal with Damen Shipyards to bid for the Netherlands’ Walrus-class submarine replacement programme.
