Royal IHC and Naval Group sign first Orka-class submarine contract

Royal IHC and Naval Group have signed an initial contract for the development of onboard accommodation modules for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines.

The contract, signed on 15 September 2026, forms part of the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) Programme and marks the first order between the two companies under the programme.

Royal IHC to support submarine accommodation modules

Under the initial contract, Royal IHC will contribute to the design of the living quarters to be installed aboard the new submarines.

A subsequent phase of the programme is expected to involve Royal IHC in the production and installation of the accommodation quarters within the modules.

Royal IHC is part of Team Orka, a network of Dutch companies involved in the construction of the new submarine class. The company is contributing its experience in complex maritime projects and the production of specialised onboard modules.

Contract linked to Dutch-French industrial cooperation

The cooperation forms part of the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed by Naval Group with the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The agreement provides a framework for involving Dutch maritime companies in the Orka-class submarine programme. The participation of Royal IHC is also expected to support cooperation and knowledge exchange between Dutch and French maritime industries.

Eric Gret, Director of Defence at Royal IHC, said: “The signing of this contract is an important milestone for Royal IHC,” says Eric Gret, Director of Defence at Royal IHC. “Naval Group’s confidence in our expertise and manufacturing capabilities confirms the strength of our organisation. We are proud to be contributing to the Orka-class submarines and look forward with confidence to our continued future collaboration with Naval Group in the construction of complete modules.”

Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands at Naval Group, said: “For Naval Group, collaboration with Dutch industrial partners is a key part of the programme,” says Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands at Naval Group. “Royal IHC brings proven maritime expertise and experience in complex projects. This first contract represents an important step in our joint commitment to providing modern, reliable and future-proof submarine capability for the Royal Netherlands Navy.”