(Europa) Niederländische Marine

[Schneemann]

Netherlands firms up plans for multifunction support vessels

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) is set to receive two low-cost, low-manned multifunction support vessels (‘Multifunctionele ondersteuningsvaartuigen’) in a move intended to increase front-line firepower, and support surveillance efforts in the North Sea region. [...]

Dutch state secretary for defense Gijs Tuinman said the new vessels – based on a commercial fast crew supply design – will be built by Damen, with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) selected to supply the containerised weapon and electronic warfare (EW) packages that will equip the craft. [...] The idea of procuring a low-manned platform to operate as an ‘offboard’ magazine for RNLN air defence and command frigates (ADCFs) was conceived in 2022 under a concept activity known as TRIFIC (The Rapidly Increased Firepower Capability). Studies completed under TRIFIC explored the possibility of adding one or two simple low-manned surface vessels, embarking modular payloads, to augment the firepower or complement the sensors on its existing surface combatants TRIFIC subsequently morphed into a concept known as Modular Integrated Capability for ACDF and North Sea (MICAN) which also factored in an emerging requirement to increase surveillance and protection of critical infrastructures in the North Sea region. MICAN has
now evolved to additionally encompass fire support/precision strike for the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, so becoming the multifunction support vessel. [...]

Tuinman said the D-letter, detailing the results of the procurement preparation phase (D-phase), is planned to go to the House of Representatives in early 2025. Adoption of an existing off-the-shelf design means that the first vessel should be delivered in early 2026. Weapon and equipment payloads should be delivered from 2026 onwards.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/202...t-vessels/

Schneemann