Dutch Navy turns to Lionfish
Illustration of the Lionfish Top weapon system. (Photo: Leonardo)
The Royal Netherlands Navy has selected Leonardo’s Lionfish family of systems to equip its Holland-class OPVs, Johan De Witt LPD, Karel Doorman support ship, and planned Den Helder-class Combat Support Ship.
The ships will be equipped with the Lionfish Top variant, one of three 12.7mm systems within the Lionfish family of remote-controlled naval turrets.
Lionfish Top utilises a cooled IR sensor integrating the company’s Mini Colibrì optics. The system can also incorporate an uncooled sensor.
Along with other Lionfish variants, the system can self-calculate firing solutions and engage fast-moving threats.
According to Leonardo, the system is particularly effective against close threats.
The Lionfish Top selection builds on the relationship between the Royal Netherlands Navy and Leonardo, with the prior previously selecting the company’s OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano systems for its De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.