Thales has signed a contract to deliver and install a Scout Mk3 naval surveillance radar on the joint logistic support ship (JSS) being engineered by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Designed to identify very small objects even in high sea states or in close vicinity to larger objects, the radar also provides automatic detection and tracking, approach and guidance for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), as well as a high availability and low lifecycle costs.

Commissioned by the Netherlands’ Defence Materiel Organisation, the ship will be integrated with new Mk3 naval surveillance radar and is scheduled to undergo first sea trials in May.

The vessel will also be integrated with signature reduction measures, ballistic protection, blast-resistant constructions, redundant and shock-resistant systems, a gas citadel, and extensive firefighting systems to reduce vulnerability.

Capable of accommodating a crew of 150 and up to 150 non-listed persons, the 205m-long JSS has a displacement capacity of 28,000t and is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion plant.

Armed with two Goalkeepers, two 30mm automatic guns, and four automatic medium-calibre gun systems, the JSS can be used for maritime support, strategic sea lift and sea basing missions in open ocean as well as in littoral waters.

Additional capabilities include replenishment at sea, storing, loading and unloading of supplies, transport of material and personnel and extensive medical, technical and logistic support.

The JSS will replace replenishment ship HNLMS Zuiderkruis for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Defence Technology