Netherlands Signs Contract for F21 Torpedoes to Equip Orka-Class Submarines
On 16 June 2026, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Naval Group to supply F21 heavyweight torpedoes for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future Orka-class submarines. This makes the Netherlands the first NATO diesel-electric submarine fleet to operate the F21, which is already in service with French and Brazilian navies. The deal includes crew training, simulators, and industrial cooperation with Dutch firms, deepening the strategic partnership between the Netherlands and Naval Group.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Netherlands Selects Naval Group F21 Torpedo for Orka-class Submarines
The Netherlands has formalized an agreement with French defense firm Naval Group to supply F21 heavyweight torpedoes for its upcoming Orka-class submarines. The contract, reported by Naval Technology, equips the future Dutch submarine fleet with advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The F21 is a heavyweight torpedo designed for both submarine and surface ship engagement, featuring fiber-optic guidance and advanced countermeasure resistance. The Orka-class submarines are part of the Netherlands' naval modernization program to replace the existing Walrus-class boats. This deal underscores the Netherlands' deepening defense ties with France and its commitment to maintaining a credible underwater warfare capability in NATO frameworks.
Naval TechnologyNetherlands selects Naval Group F21 torpedo for Orka-class submarines
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has formalized an agreement with Naval Group for the supply of F21 heavyweight torpedoes to its future Orka-class submarines. The contract was signed on 16 June 2026 by vice admiral Jan Willem Hartman and Naval Group officials. With this procurement, the Royal Netherlands Navy will become the first NATO submarine fleet to deploy the F21 torpedo. The F21 is a 5.7-meter, 1,300kg heavyweight torpedo capable of speeds over 50 knots and ranges up to 50km, carrying a 250kg warhead. It features wire-guided and autonomous guidance, the MIGAL fire control system, and can operate in deep-ocean and coastal environments. The torpedo is already in service with France's nuclear submarines and Brazil's Scorpene-class vessels. Naval Group is building four Orka-class submarines for the Netherlands under a 2024 contract, replacing the legacy Walrus-class fleet.
Naval TechnologyNetherlands formally selects Naval Group F21 torpedo for Orka-class submarines
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Naval Group on 16 June 2026 to supply F21 heavyweight torpedoes for the future Orka-class submarines. The Royal Netherlands Navy will become the first NATO submarine fleet to deploy the F21 torpedo. The F21, which replaces the French Navy's F17 mod2, is a 5.7-meter, 1,300 kg torpedo carrying a 250 kg warhead, capable of speeds over 50 knots and ranges up to 50 km. It uses the MIGAL fire control system and features wire-guided and autonomous fire-and-forget capabilities, suitable for both deep-ocean and coastal operations. Currently operational on French nuclear submarines and Brazilian Scorpene-class vessels, the F21 can also be integrated into other platforms. Naval Group is building four Orka-class submarines for the Netherlands under a 2024 contract to replace the Walrus-class fleet.
Naval TechnologyDutch MoD and Naval Group Sign F21 Torpedo Procurement Contract
On 16 June 2026, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, represented by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman of COMMIT, and Naval Group signed a contract for the supply of new-generation F21 heavyweight torpedoes. The torpedoes will equip the Royal Netherlands Navy's future Orka-class submarines, making the Netherlands the first NATO diesel-electric submarine (SSK) fleet to operate the F21. The F21, qualified in 2019, is already in service with the French Navy's nuclear submarines and Brazil's conventional submarines. The contract deepens the strategic partnership between the Netherlands and Naval Group, with plans to amend the existing Industrial Cooperation Agreement to involve Dutch industries and knowledge centers. Naval Group will also provide crew training, simulators, and support for autonomous torpedo maintenance.
Naval NewsDutch MoD and Naval Group Sign F21 Torpedo Procurement Contract
On 16 June 2026, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, represented by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman from COMMIT, and Naval Group signed a contract for the supply of new-generation F21 heavyweight torpedoes. These torpedoes will equip the Royal Netherlands Navy's future Orka-class submarines, making the Dutch fleet the first NATO SSK (diesel-electric submarine) force to operate the F21. The F21, qualified in 2019, is already in service with the French Navy's SSNs and SSBNs and the Brazilian Navy's SSKs. Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet and Vice Admiral Hartman both emphasized the deepening strategic partnership. The contract also includes provisions for industrial cooperation with Dutch industries and knowledge centers, with an amendment to the existing Industrial Cooperation Agreement expected.
Naval NewsDutch MoD and Naval Group Sign F21 Torpedo Procurement Contract
On 16 June 2026, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, represented by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman from COMMIT, and Naval Group signed a contract for the supply of new-generation F21 heavyweight torpedoes to equip the Orka-class submarines. This makes the Royal Netherlands Navy the first NATO diesel-electric submarine (SSK) fleet to operate the F21. The F21, qualified in 2019, is currently used by the French Navy's nuclear submarines and Brazil's SSKs. Naval Group will also provide crew training, simulators, and live-fire exercise support. The contract deepens the strategic partnership between the Netherlands and Naval Group, with an amendment to the existing Industrial Cooperation Agreement to involve Dutch industries and knowledge centers.
Naval News