RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
Over the next decade, the Netherlands' submarine force will drop to two boats as the country retires ageing Walrus-class vessels (HNLMS Walrus pictured) and develop a successor class. (Photo: USN)
The Netherlands, on 16 November, requested quotes from three shipbuilders - Saab Kockums, Naval Group and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) - furthering its plans to buy a replacement for its Walrus-class boats.
The three companies are expected to submit bids in the summer of 2023, after which the Dutch MoD will analyse the offerings and select a yard to build the new boats.
The RfQ is a significant step forward for the programme. However, post-contract award, the Netherlands expects it will take around a decade before the first two submarines enter operations.
Two of the four in-service Walrus-class boats
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The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.