The Netherlands has advanced its future Orka-class submarine program by formalizing the purchase of F21 heavyweight torpedoes, developed by Naval Group.
The contract was signed on June 16 between representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the French company, consolidating another stage of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
With the incorporation of the weapon, the Royal Netherlands Navy will become the first conventional submarine force in NATO to operate the F21. The torpedo was selected to equip the new Orka-class submarines, which are expected to significantly strengthen the country’s underwater combat capabilities in the coming decades.
In service since 2019, the F21 is already used by French nuclear submarines and also by the conventional submarines of the Brazilian Navy. The system was designed to deliver high performance in naval warfare missions and is considered one of the key weapons in Naval Group’s portfolio for underwater operations.
In addition to supplying the torpedoes, Naval Group highlighted that it will continue supporting the training of naval forces through training programs, simulators and technical support. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to increasing the participation of Dutch industry and research centers in the Orka project, strengthening industrial cooperation between the parties.
Naval Group and @Defensie, represented by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman from @ComMatEnIT, signed today the contract to supply F21 new-generation heavyweight torpedoes to equip the 4 future Orka-class submarines for the @kon_marine. pic.twitter.com/WrDgcIhuqD
— Naval Group (@navalgroup) June 16, 2026
Source: Naval News | Photos: Naval Group | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
