Photo: Dutch Navy submarine on Caribbean visit

HNLMS Zeeleeuw in Curaçao. Photo: Royal Netherlands Navy

The Royal Netherlands Navy (Koniklijke Marine) recently shared photos of its Walrus-class submarine HNLMS Zeeleeuw on a visit to the Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao.

The second of overall four submarines in the class is visiting the Caribbean island for exercises with the Netherlands Marine Corps, according to the navy.

In December 2015, Zeeleeuw became the first submarine in the class to undergo a life extension program which will allow the submarines to remain in service until at least 2025.

HNLMS Zeeleeuw underwent modification and modernization works that improved her ability to operate in coastal waters. In addition to hull refurbishment works, the submarine received a non-hull-penetrating optronic mast, additional sonars and a new combat system.