Might Australia's ASC Help the Netherlands Build Replacement Submarines?

The Walrus class hull above (diagram from Blueprints) may be only slightly modified for a replacement submarine. If there is some Swedish design influence in the replacement might it look more in the direction of the Collins (below)(diagram courtesy The Lead South Australia)?

I’ve done a bit of research from Dutch sources (using right-click mouse to Translate). These  corroborate Kevin’s comments, over the last two years, on Dutch submarine replacement issues.

The two sources used below are:

-  Ravage “Havoc” magazine’s, April 3, 2016 article on Dutch future submarine requirements, and

-  in square brackets a Marine Schepen “Navy Ships”, June 17, 2016 article.

The Dutch Defence Ministry in 2015 indicated the possibility of spending Euro 2.5 billion or more likely 4 billion all up on four new submarines. A Euro is currently about US$1.05. The Dutch Parliament needs to approve the budget.

BUILDING THE NEW CLASS - WITH AUSTRALIAN HELP?

The Netherlands now lacks submarine building facilities. The Netherlands may therefore have most of each submarine built in:

-  Germany by TKMS-HDW. Although TKMS builds far smaller subs, and/or 

-  in Sweden, with some Australian assistance? “In fact, there are only two parties with

   experience: Kockums of Sweden and Australian Submarine Corporation. Together they were

   involved in the construction of the Australian Collins-class, based on a 471-Kockums design.”

Some degree of joint venture is possible between Dutch shipbuilder Damen with Saab Kockums, TKMS, Norwegian and Canadian companies. Damen as a buyer and/or part builder may be able to partly contribute to submarine sales to Asia. 

The “Golden Triangle” refer to collaboration between the government (including the Dutch navy) with industry and knowledge institutes (eg. universities and engineering bureaus).

The Dutch Parliament should make “a final decision in 2018” on the expensive future submarine purchase.

SUBMARINE SPECS-REQUIREMENTS

Under "Submarine Wishes" senior Dutch naval Captain Hugo Ammerlaan indicated requirements in 2016, for a new Dutch submarine, as follows:

- Broadly the same hull as the Walrus class; with buoyancy characteristics flexible enough to
  operate in such different salt-temperature environments as the Baltic Sea and Red Sea.

- Technically at the level of 2025; 

- As quiet as other submarines in 2025; 

- Ample space for special forces with their equipment; 

- More room for crew members; 

- A means/weapon for warning shots (torpedos not useful, of course); 

- Weapons against helicopters; 

- SLCMs against ships and land (not Tomahawk or other long distance SLCM); 

- Internet [or more broadly communications?] above and below water; 

- A real galley space and no food fit only for microwave ovens; 

- Technology should be compatible with the above-water ships; 

- Suitable for mixed crewing, ie. men and women.

Netherland's submarines, like Australia's, need to have the range for long transits, hence a 3,000+ ton size. More specifically Netherlands submarines need to have the range-endurance in comfort for voyages all the way across the Atlantic from the Netherlands to the Dutch Caribbean and back - maybe with only one refuelling?

Further requirements of the Dutch Ministry of Defence for 4 replacement submarines include:

- Length: 65m-70m

- Crew: 50 or less

- “Max Displacement” (so assumed to be Submerged) about "3,000 tons" hence Australia's experience with the just over 3,000 tons Collins is relevant.

- Commissioned after 2025

- Optronic masts and other advanced sensors.

- AIP or LIBs if Japanese LIBs succeed.

- Current batteries are “traditional-zinc”?

A final point. The Netherlands still assists Taiwan in upgrades and maintenance for Taiwan's two Dutch built Hai Lung class submarines. Above are amounts in Euros the Netherlands charged for these services. These total 106 million Euros over 5 years (2010-2014). What would China think?

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Pete