The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced it has selected the French F21 MK2 heavyweight torpedo for its future Orka-class submarines. The initial plan was to integrate the American MK48 which is currently used by the Royal Netherlands Navy aboard the in-service Walrus-class submarines.
Dutch MoD press release (translation by Naval News)
The Ministry of Defence wants to integrate the French F21 MK2 torpedo into the four new Orka-class submarines during the production phase. The initial plan was to equip them with the MK48 torpedoes from the current Walrus fleet. The Ministry of Defence has now decided against this plan because accelerated replacement of the MK48 appears feasible.
The new submarines must operate in the highest spectrum of violence. Due to rapid technological developments, the Ministry of Defence anticipates a threat from (un)manned enemy systems equipped with anti-torpedo weapons. To combat these with high precision, an advanced heavyweight torpedo such as the F21 MK2 is required. The supplier of this weapon system is the French Naval Group, which also builds the submarines.
The choice of the F21 MK2 torpedo signifies enhanced cooperation with France. This EU and NATO partner uses the same weapon system. Sharing knowledge about deployment tactics contributes to the weapon’s effectiveness.
Delivery of the first submarine is scheduled from 2033.
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