수상전투함 네덜란드, 차기 대잠호위함 2척 추가발주 예정

[위종민]

9월 5일 발간된 네덜란드의 국방백서 2024에서 현재 벨기에와 함께 2+2척 건조 예정이었던 차기 대잠호위함 ASFW ( anti-submarine warfare frigates )를 2척 추가발주해 4척을 보유할 예정이라고 합니다. 

그 외 F-35와 NH90(!) 6기 추가도입, 레오파드2 A8 46+6대를 도입해 전차대대를 재창설하는 안 등도 발표했다고 하네요. 

Netherlands white paper heralds Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates purchase - Naval Technology (naval-technology.com)

Netherlands white paper heralds Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates purchase

The report also detailed additional F-35 jets for the Air Force, NH90 helicopters, and the reestablishment of the Army’s tank battalion

Andrew Salerno-GarthwaiteSeptember 6, 2024

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The Netherlands will purchase more Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates (ASWF). Credit: Damen Naval.

Netherlands will acquire addition anti-submarine warfare frigates (ASFW) for its Navy as part of new investment announced in the Defence White Paper 2024, published 5 September. 

The report also detailed additional F-35 jets for the Air Force, NH90 helicopters, and the reestablishment of the Army’s tank battalion, as part of an additional €2.4bn ($2.7bn) – an investment that brings the total defence spending up to €24bn per year.

With Russia’s attack on Ukraine having put into focus the potential for an attack on the Nato Alliance, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans explained the additional investment as preventative from war, deterring potential adversaries with a ‘credible, powerful and innovative military’, according to a Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) release. 

The requirement for additional anti-submarine warfare capabilities stems from the Royal Netherlands Navy’s increased activity in recent years. Having more ships deployed longer increases the underwater threat, and drove the decision to purchase new ASFW.

Dutch naval manufacturer, Damen is the prime contractor for the ASW Frigate (ASWF) programme, after signing a contract in June 2023 for the production of four vessels. 

These 146-metre frigates will feature a high degree of automation, allowing them to be operated by a relatively small crew. Although their primary mission is to detect and neutralise submarines, each ship will also be fitted with a Thales Above Water Warfare System (AWWS) to defend against surface and airborne threats.

Belgium and the Netherlands embarked on a collaborative project to acquire ASWF vessels. Initially, Belgium committed to funding €1bn for its two ships, while the Netherlands was projected to invest around €1.5bn. 

However, as of April 2023, the total cost for the four vessels had risen to approximately €4bn. The Netherlands anticipates receiving its first frigate by 2029 and the second by 2031, although delays could push completion to 2033.

Netherlands Orders 2 additional Frigates, 6 more helicopters to 'prepare for the worst' - Naval News

Netherlands Orders 2 additional Frigates, 6 more helicopters to 'prepare for the worst' - Naval News

ASW Frigate scale model on Damen stand at NIDV NEDS 2023 exhibition.

Netherlands Orders 2 additional Frigates, 6 more helicopters to ‘prepare for the worst

’The Dutch Ministry of Defence will receive additional funding as an answer to the current complex security situation in Europe and beyond. The Royal Netherlands Navy will get two additional ASW frigates and 6 more NH90 NFH helicopters.

Xavier Vavasseur  05 Sep 2024

The plan came to light in the “2024 Defense Memorandum” released on September 5th. The document may be downloaded in full at this link.

The Dutch MoD introduces the document in the following way: “There is war on the European continent and unrest in the world. The Netherlands can also become involved in an armed conflict. That is why we must strengthen the armed forces more quickly. By preparing ourselves well, we discourage the opponent. And we can fight if necessary. To defend the territory of the Netherlands and allies. How we do this is described in this Defence Memorandum.”

The “2024 Defence Memorandum” lays out four scenarios that the Netherlands could face:

1. Attack on NATO
2. A mix of shadowy attacks using military and non-military means
3. Conflicts between China and neighbouring countries lead to war between China and the US
4. Unrest and conflict on the edges of Europe and the Kingdom

The Dutch MoD explains that “These scenarios have serious consequences for the security of the Netherlands, but they can also occur simultaneously and reinforce each other. The greatest danger is that shadowy, elusive attacks will lead to a Russian attack on NATO, which will directly involve the Netherlands in a war, while tensions are simultaneously rising on the edges of Europe and/or in the Indo-Pacific. The Netherlands and Defence must therefore prepare for the worst and quickly strengthen the armed forces and increase resilience.”

As a consequence, the Dutch government has decided to allocated an additional 2.4 billion euros for the Dutch military. The Dutch army will receive 46 new Leopard 2A8 MBT (with an option for 6 more), the RNLAF will receive 6 more F-35A fighters and the RNLN will receive 2 additional Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF – bringing the total to 4 in the fleet) and 6 more NH90 NFH helicopters (bringing the total to 25). Some of the investment will also go to personnel (to improve recruitment and retention) as well as to the Dutch defense industry.

A Dutch NH-90 landing on HNLMS Groningen, a Holland-class OPV. (Royal Netherlands Navy)

Regarding the additional equipment for the Royal Netherlands Navy, the document reads:

In the maritime domain, the renewal of the fleet has already been initiated in recent years. In order to be more deployable and for longer, more ships and maritime helicopters are needed. Due to the increased threat, the Netherlands and NATO also have a greater need for protection against underwater threats, including anti-submarine warfare and the protection of undersea infrastructure in deeper water.

The number of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates in the fleet is being expanded. This will enable the navy to better meet NATO’s demand for the long-term and more sustainable implementation of NATO’s tasks and operational plans. This will enable structural and long-term deployment of frigates across multiple axes, for example for frequent anti-submarine warfare in European seas, on the Atlantic Ocean and in the Arctic, for deployment in the Indo-Pacific or for tasks such as defence against ballistic and cruise missiles or carrying out precision attacks. In acquiring this capacity, opportunities for innovation and unmanned elements are included.

Defence is also acquiring additional NH-90 helicopters for the maritime helicopter fleet. The support of maritime and amphibious (combat) operations is thus strengthened and the long-term deployment of ships with an on-board helicopter can be combined with short operations with helicopter support by marines from the ship.

Defence White Paper 2024: Strong, smart, together | News item | Defensie.nl

Defence White Paper 2024: Strong, smart, together

News item | 05-09-2024 | 13:16

To ensure the security of the Netherlands, we will invest heavily in our contribution to the NATO alliance. The army will once again have its own tanks, the air force will receive additional F-35s and the navy will take delivery of additional frigates for anti-submarine warfare. The military police will also be strengthened and the Ministry of Defence will structurally allocate an additional EUR 260 million to attract and retain personnel. It will also invest in innovation and the defence industry to boost and sustain the production of military equipment. These are just a few of the measures set out in the Defence White Paper, which was published today.

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A Leopard 2A7 during the presentation. The army will get an even more modern one.

The investment is necessary because, after a long period of peace in Europe, the Netherlands must actively contribute to deterring adversaries in order to prevent armed conflict. 

New threats require action. The new acquisitions reflect the higher standards set by NATO. The alliance is calling for investment in heavier combat capabilities for land operations, for example. 

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From left to right: Minister Brekelmans, State Secretary Tuinman and The Netherlands Chief of Defence Onno Eichelsheim.

As Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans explained, the best way to prevent war is to keep potential adversaries at bay. This requires a credible, powerful and innovative military. Investing in the armed forces is therefore essential to actively ensuring the security of the Netherlands. Russia’s unbridled aggression in Ukraine shows that an attack on the NATO alliance is no longer inconceivable. Such an attack would have a major impact on the security and prosperity of the Netherlands. Together with our allies, we must therefore make every effort to prevent such an attack. The new Defence White Paper is a major step in that direction. 

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A F-35.

Rising tensions

Tensions are also rising in the Middle East, and China is more assertive in trying to bend international rules in its favour. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman added that that growing assertiveness could ultimately disrupt trade between Asia and Europe. In addition, hybrid threats have become commonplace. Examples in this regard include cyber attacks and other forms of societal disruption. According to the government, the threats are accumulating. Tuinman said the situation calls for a military that can deliver and is ready to fight.

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Artist impression of the frigates for anti-submarine warfare.

Combat power and innovation

That readiness also applies to combat at sea and in the air, where superiority and defence are of paramount importance, hence the planned acquisition of additional fighter aircraft, ships and helicopters. Other investments include drones, mobile anti-drone cannon systems and a laser system. Total defence spending will be around EUR 24 billion. According to Brekelmans, the government will allocate an additional EUR 2.4 billion to defence. The additional funding will be used to accelerate the strengthening of the armed forces. Each year, approximately EUR 1.5 billion will be invested in combat power. Every effort will also be made to stimulate innovation and the defence industry, as today’s innovations will be crucial to winning future wars. 

Personnel

Service members constitute the most important element of the armed forces. Substantial investment will therefore be made in recruiting and retaining personnel. As Tuinman explained, you can buy a lot of materiel, but a tank will go nowhere without a crew. Without people, F-35s stay on the ground and frigates stay at the quay.

The Ministry of Defence will also be working towards a scalable military; one that can grow or shrink in terms of personnel depending on the threat it faces. More reservists will be recruited. They will be deployed as full-fledged military personnel in permanent and scalable units. According to Tuinman, the voluntary service year will also be expanded.

Additional spare parts

The Ministry of Defence is continually investing in strengthening ties with NATO allies. In the event of a large-scale conflict, the alliance must work as a well-oiled team. Furthermore, military personnel, including those from the Netherlands, must be able to sustain combat operations for prolonged periods of time. The war in Ukraine shows the importance of this. Brekelmans explained that a lot of money is therefore being spent on expanding support such as medical and logistical capabilities. Stockpiles of spare parts, ammunition and other items needed for operations will also be significantly increased. These measures are needed to ensure national security.

Resilient society

According to Brekelmans, the armed forces will only be successful in times of rising tensions if all of society is resilient and contributes. The Ministry of Defence is therefore strengthening ties with many parties, ranging from companies and knowledge institutes to other ministries and local authorities. Many partners can help prevent the spread of war in Europe. The Minister therefore stressed the importance of continuing to provide full support to Ukraine and of ensuring credible deterrence.