“We are honoured for the selection of the F21 torpedo as one of the weapons of reference for the Orka-class submarines. With this contract, we further deepen our strategic partnership and we look forward to the next phases of our cooperation,” said Pierre Éric Pommellet, chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

The Orka-class submarines, being built by Naval Group under the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) program, will replace the aging Walrus-class fleet and are expected to enter service beginning in the early 2030s. Designed for intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, special operations support, and maritime strike missions, the submarines will form the backbone of Dutch undersea capabilities for decades to come, according to a press release.

“The signing of this contract for the F21 torpedo marks an important step in our strategic partnership,” said Vice Admiral Jan Willem HartmanCommander of COMMIT.

“The weapon system will be integrated into the future Orka-class submarines, enhancing the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy. We look forward to the next phases in our cooperation.”

The F21 torpedo is regarded as one of the most sophisticated heavyweight torpedoes currently in operational service. Developed by Naval Group with contributions from Thales and Atlas Elektronik, the weapon is designed for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions. It combines wire-guided control with active and passive acoustic homing systems, enabling high-precision engagement of targets in complex underwater environments.

Powered by advanced aluminum-silver oxide batteries and electric propulsion, the F21 offers high speed, extended range, and a low acoustic signature. These characteristics make it particularly effective against modern submarines and surface vessels equipped with advanced countermeasures. The weapon’s stealthy profile and sophisticated guidance package are increasingly important as navies confront emerging underwater threats, including unmanned systems and next-generation anti-torpedo defenses.

For the Royal Netherlands Navy, integrating the F21 during the submarine construction phase provides several advantages. It reduces future integration costs, simplifies maintenance and upgrades, and ensures optimal compatibility between the submarine platform and its primary weapon system. The decision also aligns Dutch submarine operations more closely with those of the French Navy, creating opportunities for enhanced training, tactical cooperation, and interoperability within both NATO and European defense frameworks.

The selection of the F21 reflects a broader trend toward deeper European defense-industrial cooperation. As European navies seek to modernize their fleets amid evolving security challenges in the North Atlantic, Arctic, and other strategic regions, common platforms and weapons systems are increasingly viewed as a means of improving operational effectiveness while strengthening the continent’s defense industrial base.

With the Orka-class submarine program progressing and key industrial partnerships already in place, the adoption of the F21 torpedo marks another milestone in the Netherlands’ effort to field a highly capable and future-ready submarine force. Once operational, the combination of the Orka-class platform and the F21 weapon system will provide the Royal Netherlands Navy with a potent deterrent and a significant advantage in underwater warfare operations.