Finnish company Marine Alutech Oy has been contracted to deliver a new generation of landing craft to the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.
The littoral assault craft (LAC) will become the Marine Corps’ new landing craft, replacing the current landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) vessels.
The craft was designed by Marine Alutech to support the Marine Corps’ new doctrine, known as Force Design . This concept enables the simultaneous landing of marines and their equipment from amphibious transport ships positioned further offshore.
The new unit is expected to make a significant leap in performance and is equipped with powerful weapon systems. It is faster than its predecessors, capable of covering greater distances, and can operate at sea for longer periods of time, according to the company.
The new boats are expected to enter service between 2026 and 2028.
The Royal Netherlands Navy is on the verge of a major fleet modernization. The LAC has therefore been designed to be compatible with both the current and next generations of amphibious transport ships.
Recently, the navy welcomed the new combat support ship (CSS) HNLMS Den Helder. Built by Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Naval, the vessel is recognizable as a warship that the Ministry of Defense can deploy for national and allied defense. The unit will supply other ships at sea with fuel, ammunition, food, and spare parts. This reduces the need for national and international naval vessels to interrupt operations. The ship also has extensive medical capacity.