Dutch Navy to Receive Two New Weaponized Support Vessels from Damen

The Dutch Navy is set to receive two new support vessels equipped with modern weapon systems and research equipment.

This is according to a report by State Secretary Gijs Tuinman to the House of Representatives on September 24.

The ships, which will be constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen, are intended to bolster the Netherlands' defense capabilities, particularly in the event of a potential threat.

The navy has identified the need for greater air defense capabilities and increased firepower to support operations in high-conflict scenarios. The vessels will also carry research equipment to monitor and detect potential threats in the North Sea. Designed to carry new weapons and equipment in containers, these multifunctional support ships will operate with a smaller crew due to systems integration.

The navy's requirement for long-range surface-to-air missiles is increasing as adversaries improve their capabilities to launch large-scale, simultaneous attacks using anti-ship missiles or drones. The new vessels will carry additional surface-to-air missiles and sail close to the navy’s Air Defence and Command frigates (LC frigates), which will control the missile launches. The added missile firepower is intended to protect both the support ships and other naval vessels.

For operations such as amphibious assaults, the Marine Corps requires long-range precision ammunition to neutralize threats on land, including enemy air defense systems. The navy will also acquire new electronic warfare equipment, which is capable of disrupting enemy radar and communication systems, potentially preventing missile and drone strikes.

Due to the vulnerability of North Sea infrastructure, such as wind farms, oil platforms, and undersea cables, the new vessels will be equipped with underwater drones and sensor systems. These systems will gather intelligence on potential threats, including espionage and sabotage, as outlined in a recent report by the Military Intelligence and Security Service.

The acquisition of the vessels from Damen aligns with the government's policy to strengthen the Dutch maritime manufacturing sector, a key component of European strategic autonomy. The project is valued between €250 million and €1 billion.

Initial capabilities in the North Sea are expected by 2026, with full operational capacity for both ships by 2027.