In its bid for the Walrus Replacement Program, Navantia is proposing an adaptation to Dutch requirements and local content of the Spanish Navy S80 Plus submarine.
With a modern design and a similar size to Walrus-class of about 3,000t, the reference design is already fully compliant with Dutch requirements such as growth potential.
The expeditionary S-80 design is fully funded and already in production, therefore the minimal technical, schedule and financial risks provide an advantage compared with completely new solutions. The modern design and new yard infrastructure with a highly automated construction will lead to a solution offering substantial savings respect to any competing offer.
Navantia’s proposal is the only one offering its parent Navy solution, providing the possibility of a common fleet of eight expeditionary submarines offers sharing resources and cooperation in the fields of training, logistics support and operations, a unique joint capability within Nato. Past cooperation between the two countries with the Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment and Landing Platform Dock programmes has proven to be very successful.
Through the S80 programme, Navantia has strong relationships with many Dutch naval suppliers and Dutch naval knowledge partners. During the bidding process, the company has identified numerous additional parties that will be included in the final solution. There is a clear commitment to work with Dutch naval industry and technology base to ensure full involvement and retention of Dutch submarine capabilities for the entire life cycle of the submarines.
Navantia has no exclusive teaming relations and can therefore consider sharing the construction with Damen at a later stage.
The evolved S-80 on the shortlist offers the best and most cost-effective solution, as well as being the benchmark for all new designs.