Saab’s C718 expeditionary submarine offered for Dutch Navy’s sea denial capability
The A26 Blekinge-class SSK that the C718 design is based on is 63m-long and displace 2,400t offering a range of 6,500 miles and operated by a crew of just 27 sailors. (Photo: Saab)
Swedish shipbuilder Saab Kockums is offering a new expeditionary submarine design as a contender for the Dutch MoD’s Walrus Submarine Replacement Programme.
As the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) looks to retire its four Walrus-class diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) there is an urgent need to introduce new platforms to sustain an underwater sea denial capability.
Fredrik Gustafsson, head of marketing and sales at Saab Kockums, told Shephard that the C71 is the name of its expeditionary submarine family built to enable long-distance operations.
‘The C718 offered to the Netherlands is a version of the Expeditionary-family submarine, adapted to meet and even exceed the Dutch requirements long-term,’ he said. ‘The A26 [Blekinge-class] is the most modern conventional submarine presently built. Much of the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How Canada is preparing the future River-class destroyers to endure uncrewed threats]()
How Canada is preparing the future River-class destroyers to endure uncrewed threats
Designed in 2019, Canada's new River-class destroyers are planned to be handed over by the 2050s. The long procurement timeline has cast doubt on whether the platforms will be obsolete for tomorrow’s warfare.
-
![Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?]()
Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?
The formation of a Great Lakes shipbuilding alliance could prompt a shift in how the US approaches naval and coast guard construction. But can distributed inland shipyards ease the country’s shipbuilding capacity?
-
![US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats]()
US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats
A Northrop Grumman RF-based defensive capability will equip USN destroyers and aircraft carriers to enhance their survivability against missile and drone attacks.
