Damen and Saab agree on export of C-71 submarines

Dutch shipbuilder Damen and Swedish defence company Saab have agreed to export the advanced expeditionary C-71 submarines. 

CEO of Damen Shipyards Arnout Damen and CEO of Saab Micael Johansson made the decision this week to export together the submarine, which has been developed for the Royal Netherlands Navy to replace the current Walrus class.

Saab and Damen have been working together since 2015 to build, modernize, and maintain the new expeditionary submarine for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The two companies have now also agreed to offer their advanced expeditionary submarines to Canada. The country is in the initial phase of a similar process to replace their diesel-electric submarines.

The expeditionary submarine is based on the future-proof design of the A26 submarines. It incorporates the latest capabilities and technologies, while the modular design allows room for customisability as well as new technologies as they develop, ensuring relevance for decades to come, according to Damen.

 For this new expeditionary design, Saab is working closely with Damen Shipyards and a range of Dutch suppliers and is supported by the United Kingdom. Four countries currently operate submarines and submarine technology designed by Saab: Sweden, Australia, Japan, and Singapore.

In July last year, Saab and Damen submitted a proposal for the replacement of the Netherlands’ current submarines. The proposal comprises four advanced expeditionary submarines with the latest innovations and technologies.