The Netherlands is set to bolster its naval capabilities shortly. The French defense contractor, Naval Group, has been slated to start production of four Barracuda-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN).
The frigates are equipped with weapon and mission systems to monitor and control sea areas, protect naval bases and attack surface, underwater, land and air targets.
The eight-year Type 31 Through Life Support Contract is expected to commence in Q4 2025 and will provide a solution to optimise the availability and operational service for the five new Type 31 "Inspiration" class frigates
The war in Ukraine has removed any remaining doubts that drones are transforming warfare. In the naval arena, Ukraine’s maritime drones are leading the world in terms of combat application.
Footage posted by Russian media has shown that the Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessel (USV), used by Defence Intelligence of Ukraine’s Group 13 special forces unit to destroy a Russian speedboat in the Black Sea on 6 May, was equipped with R-73 air-to-air missiles.