Royal Netherlands Navy

The Royal Netherlands Navy (Template:Langx, {{#invoke:IPA|main}}) is the maritime service branch of the Netherlands Armed Forces.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It traces its history to 8 January 1488,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> making it the third-oldest navy in the world.

During the 17th and early 18th centuries, the Dutch States Navy was one of the most powerful navies in the world and played an active role in the Anglo-Dutch Wars, Franco-Dutch War, Nine Years' War and War of the Spanish Succession. However, by the late 18th century it had declined through neglect and was no longer a match for either the British or French navies. The Batavian Navy and navy of the Kingdom of Holland played an active role in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, though both were repeatedly yoked to French interests.

Officially formed in 1813 after the Sovereign Principality of the United Netherlands was established, the Royal Netherlands Navy played an important role in protecting the Dutch East Indies, and would play a minor role in World War II, where it fought against the Imperial Japanese Navy. Since World War II, the Royal Netherlands Navy has taken part in several peacekeeping missions, and frequently participates in European Union and NATO operations and exercises.

Ship prefixes

An international prefix for ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy is HNLMS (His/Her Netherlands Majesty's Ship).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Better source needed The Netherlands navy itself uses the prefixes Zr.Ms. (Template:Langx) when a King is on the throne, and Hr.Ms. (Template:Langx) when there is a Queen. This happens automatically at end of the monarch's reign.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

History

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The modern Netherlands Navy dates its founding to a "statute of admiralty" issued by Maximilian, King of the Romans (future Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I), and his son Philip the Fair, the ruler of Burgundian lands (a minor at that time) on 8 January 1488.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Efn

Netherlands Golden Age

File:De slag bij Terheide - The Battle of Schevening - August 10 1653 (Willem van de Velde I, 1657).jpg

The Battle of Scheveningen in 1653 during the First Anglo-Dutch War.

The Netherlands navy was involved in several wars against other European powers from the late 16th century, initially for independence against Spain in European waters, later for shipping lanes, trade and colonies in many parts of the world, notably during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. During the 17th century the Dutch States Navy was one of the most powerful navies in the world. As an organization, the Dutch navy consisted of five separate admiralties (three of them in Holland, and one each in Friesland and Zeeland), each with its own ships, personnel, shipyards, command structures and revenues.<ref>Rodger, N. A. M. (2004) Command of the Ocean: A Naval History of Britain 1649–1815. Penguin Books, London; pp. 9–10</ref>

World War II

File:Awm 045393 HNLMS Java.jpg

Template:HNLMS, ca. 1941.

File:Manoeuvres van de Koninklijke Nederlandse Marine.ogv

Elements of the Royal Netherlands Navy on manoeuvres, 1936.

File:Piet de Jong in uniform.jpg

Piet de Jong, commanding officer of Template:HNLMS in 1958.

At the start of WW2 the Dutch had five cruisers, eight destroyers, 24 submarines, and smaller vessels, along with 50 aircraft. The Netherlands was conquered in 1940 by Nazi Germany in a matter of days, and two Dutch light cruisers and one destroyer leader and three destroyers that were under construction were captured in their shipyard.

For the rest of the war, the Dutch navy was based in Allied countries: the Dutch navy had its headquarters in London, and smaller units in Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) and Western Australia. Around the world Dutch naval units were responsible for transporting troops, for example during Operation Dynamo at Dunkirk and on D-Day, they escorted convoys and attacked enemy targets. Dutch submarines scored some victories, including one on a Kriegsmarine U-boat Template:GS in the Mediterranean Sea, which was sunk by Template:HNLMS, but during the war the Dutch Navy suffered heavy losses, particularly in the Pacific Theatre.

A small force of submarines based in Western Australia sank more Japanese ships in the first weeks after Japan joined the war than the entire British and American navies together during the same period, an exploit which earned Admiral Helfrich the nickname "Ship-a-day Helfrich".<ref name="Dutchman">Template:Cite magazine</ref> The aggressive pace of operations against the Japanese was a contributing factor to both the heavy losses sustained and the greater number of successes scored as compared to the British and Americans in the region.

But during the relentless Japanese offensive of February through April 1942 in the Dutch East Indies, the Dutch navy in Asia was virtually annihilated, particularly in the Battle of the Java Sea (27 February 1942) in which the commander, Karel Doorman, went down with his fleet along with 1,000 sailors. The Navy sustained losses of a total of 20 ships (including two of its three light cruisers) and 2,500 sailors killed in the course of the campaign.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Dutch navy had suffered from years of underfunding and came ill-prepared to face an enemy with more and heavier ships with better weapons, including the Long Lance-torpedo, with which the cruiser Template:Ship sank the light cruiser Template:HNLMS.<ref>Dr. L. de Jong, Het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden in de Tweede Wereldoorlog (Dutch), 14 parts, part 11a-I-second half, RIOD, Amsterdam, 1975</ref>

Netherlands New Guinea

After the war, the relations between the Netherlands and its colonies changed dramatically. The establishment of the Republic of Indonesia, two days after the Japanese surrender, thwarted the Dutch plans for restoring colonial authority. After four years of conflict the Netherlands acknowledged the independence of Indonesia.

Part of the Dutch Navy was next stationed in Netherlands New Guinea until that, too, was turned over to the Indonesian government in 1962. This followed a campaign of infiltrations by the Indonesian National Armed Forces, supported by modern equipment from the Soviet Union, that was nevertheless successfully repulsed by the Dutch navy. These infiltrations took place after the order of President Sukarno to integrate the territory as an Indonesian province.

European Union cooperation

The Navy has participated in joint European Union naval operations and exercises. Ten separate Dutch vessels have contributed to the EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta, combating Somali piracy forces in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean since 2009. The last vessel was sent in 2018; since then the Navy has only contributed staff and advisors to the mission.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

NATO cooperation

File:Ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.jpg

Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 in 2007 with Template:HNLMS second from the right.

With the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the military focus was on the army and air force; it was not until the Korean War (1950–53) that the navy got more recognition. The government allowed the creation of a balanced fleet consisting of two naval squadrons. Apart from the aircraft carrier Template:HNLMS the Dutch navy consisted of two light cruisers (two Template:Sclass), 12 destroyers (four Template:Sclass, eight Template:Sclass), eight submarines, six frigates (Template:Sclasss), and a considerable number of minesweepers.

As a member of NATO, the Netherlands developed its security policy in close cooperation with other members. The establishment of the Warsaw pact in 1955 intensified the arms race between West and East. Technical innovations rapidly emerged, the introduction of radar and sonar were followed by nuclear weapon systems and long-range missiles. The geopolitical situation allowed for a fixed military strategy. Beginning in 1965, the Dutch Navy joined certain permanent NATO squadrons like the Standing Naval Force Atlantic.

Structure

File:René Tas marinehaven (cropped).jpg

Vice-Admiral René Tas is the current Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

The constituent parts of the Royal Netherlands Navy are:

Naval squadron

Contains all surface combatants, replenishment ships, and amphibious support ships.

Submarine service

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Houses the submarines and a support vessel.

Mine Detection and Clearing Service

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Contains various minehunters.

Hydrographic Service

The Hydrographic Service is responsible for relevant hydrographic surveys.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Social Medical Service

Provides healthcare to personnel of the Royal Netherlands Navy.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Directorate of Materiel Sustainment

The Directorate of Materiel Sustainment is responsible for the maintenance of ships, submarines and systems.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Naval aviation

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Two squadrons equipped with NH90 NFH helicopter based at De Kooy Airfield.

Netherlands Marine Corps

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• Two Marine Combat Groups (1 MCG and 2 MCG)
• One Maritime Special Operations Force (NLMARSOF)
• One Surface Assault and Training Group (SATG)
• One Seabased Support Group (SSG)
• 32 Raiding Squadron (permanently stationed at Aruba)
• Rotterdam Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy

Dutch Caribbean Naval Command

Command of the Royal Netherlands Navy that is responsible for national defense and international law enforcement in the Dutch Caribbean.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Netherlands & Dutch Caribbean Coastguard

Although the Netherlands Coastguard is not an official part of the Navy, it is under its operational control. Also the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is under the operational control of the Navy and is commanded by the commander of the Navy in the Caribbean.

Coastguard aircraft

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Coastguard base	In service	Notes
Bombardier Dash 8 MPA	Canada	Patrol / SAR	Schiphol - The Netherlands	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Bombardier Dash 8 MPA	Canada	Patrol / SAR	HATO - Curaçao Dutch Caribbean	2
AgustaWestland AW169	Italy	SAR / Transport	HATO - Curaçao Dutch Caribbean	2
AgustaWestland AW189	Italy	SAR	Den Helder & Midden Zeeland - The Netherlands	3<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>	Operated by Bristow Group.

Bases

The main naval base, Nieuwe Haven Naval Base is situated in Den Helder, North Holland. Secondary bases are situated around Den Helder, as well as in Amsterdam, and Willemstad on the Caribbean island of (Curaçao), Usage rights are also in place for port facilities in Rotterdam, Vlissingen and Eemshaven. The Netherlands Marine Corps has barracks in Rotterdam, Doorn, Texel and Den Helder, as well as in the Caribbean at Suffisant on Curaçao, and Savaneta on Aruba.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> There is also Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point in Sint Maarten.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Officer training

Officers of the Nederland Navy are trained at the Royal Naval Institute ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), which is part of the Netherlands defence academy ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) in Den Helder.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Around 100-120 people start training every year.

Ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy

Ships

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The Royal Netherlands Navy currently operates 7 main classes of vessels: Note: in the Royal Netherlands Navy frigates are interchangeable with destroyers as there is no separate class

Type ship	Defence White Paper 1974	Defence White Paper 1984	Priority Document 1993	Navy study 2005	Economize 2011	Defence White Paper 2018
LC frigates				4	4	4
M frigates	4	8	8	2	2	2
GW frigates	2	2	2
L frigates	1	2	2
S frigates	12	10	6
MLM frigates	6
Frigates	25	22	18	6	6	6
Patrol ships				4	4	4
Submarine	6	6	4	4	4	4
Supply ships	2	2	2	1		1
LPD			1	2	2	2
JSS				1	1	1
Minehunters	15	15	15	10	6	6
Minesweepers	11	11
Total ships	59	56	40	28	23	24
LRMP aircraft	21	13	13
Helicopters	36	30	20	20	20	20
Total aircraft	57	43	33	20	20	20

The Royal Netherlands Navy classifies the De Zeven Provinciën-class as frigates, but internationally they are most comparable to destroyers (due to their size and weapon capability) platform for Sea Based Anti-Ballistic Missile defence

Inventory

In 2025 the fleet of the Royal Netherlands Navy consists of these ships:

Class	Photo	Type	Number	Dates	Details
Template:Sclass	File:Royal Netherlands Submarine - geograph.org.uk - 913392.jpg	Submarine	3	1994	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Walrus submarine replacement">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Walrus delays">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sclass	File:HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën (F 802).jpg	Frigate	4	2002	Mainly anti-air warfare with BMD capability with extensive command & communication facilities, being upgraded.
Template:Sclass	File:Hr. Ms. Van Amstel (1993).jpg	Frigate	2	1994	8 initially built for the Royal Netherlands Navy, pairs of ships subsequently sold to the Belgian, Portuguese and Chilean navies. Belgian and Dutch M-Class frigates received extensive upgrades such as an extended helicopter deck and new advanced sensors and improvements in stealthiness. Will be replaced in Dutch- & Belgian Navy in 2028-2030.
Template:Sclass	File:HNLMS Holland.jpg	Offshore patrol vessel	4	2011	Ocean patrols.
Alkmaar class	File:Hr. Ms. Maassluis.jpg	Minehunter	5	1989	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> 2 will be donated to the Ukrainian Navy in 2024 and 2025.
Zr.Ms. Den Helder	File:A834 Zr.Ms. Den Helder.jpg	Combat Support Ship	1	2025	Fleet Replenishment ship.
Template:Sclass	File:JSS Karel Doorman in Den Helder.jpg	Joint logistic support ship	1	2014	Combined amphibious operations/seabased helicopter platform & fleet replenishing, capable of supporting AH-64E / CH-47F / NH90 NFH operations.
Rotterdam & Johan de Witt class	File:HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801).jpg	Landing platform dock	2	1998 / 2007	Troop & equipment transport, helicopter platform with command & communication & hospital facilities.
Mk.II (NL) class	File:NL LCU MK2.jpg	Landing Craft Utility	5	2005	L9528 converted to Mk.III standards, rest to follow.
Mk.V C (NL) class	File:20151030-PHOTOMARCOM-045-Edit (22688515592).jpg	Landing craft vehicle personnel	12	2008	Will be replaced from 2025 onwards with 12 new LCVP's and 8 larger Littoral Craft Mobility (LCM).
Hydrograaf	File:Esb--11.jpg	Expeditionary survey boat	1	2021	Carried in a davit on board a Rotterdam-class landing platform dock or HNLMS Karel Doorman to its work area.
Pelikaan class	File:Pelikaan A804.jpg	Multi-purpose logistic support vessel	1	2006	Multi-purpose logistic & amphibious support vessel based in Dutch Caribbean, will be replaced in 2030.
Snellius class	File:HNLMS Snellius A802 2863.jpg	Hydrographic survey vessel	2	2004	Multi-purpose hydrographic survey vessels, will be replaced in 2030.
Mercuur class	File:A900 ZrMs Mercuur.jpg	Submarine support vessel	1	1987	Submarine support vessel & MCM command, upgraded in 2017 and will be replaced in 2028.
Cerberus class	File:Duikvaartuigen.jpg	Diving support vessel	4	1992	Multi-purpose diving support vessels & harbour protection, will be replaced by 2026.
Soemba class	File:A850 Soemba Padmos.jpg	Diving support vessel	1	1989	Diving training- & support vessel, will be replaced 2026.
Van Kinsbergen training ship	File:A902 MOV Van Kinsbergen.jpg	Training ship	1	1999	Training ship, will be replaced in 2026.
Urania	File:Hnlms.Urania.jpg	Training ship	1	2004	Sailing naval training ship.
Geosea	File:Geosea Den Helder 2020 01.jpg	Mine countermeasures vessel	1	2020	Civilian ship that the RNN leased from the company N-Sea to test, and make personnel familiar with, components of the new Mine Countermeasures-toolbox that will be used on the future Vlissingen class.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Strategic Transport		Roll-on/roll-off	2	2022	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> & MV Southern Rock (2024).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Damen Stan Patrol 2005	File:IMO 8675681 Y8007 MARSDIEP (01).jpg	Patrol / Training	3	2014	Multifunctional ships.
Noorderhaaks class	File:Zuiderhaaks DBBO.jpg	Harbour patrol boat	2	2015	Used primarily to patrol the Nieuwe Haven Naval Base and its surroundings.
Noordzee class	File:Noordzee Den Helder 2016.jpg	Coastal / Harbour tug	3	2016	Damen ASD2810 Hybrid.
Linge class	File:GOUWE (50397529306).jpg	Coastal / Harbour tug	1	1997	Gouwe commissioned a decade later after the rest of the class.
Bolder class	File:Def 4902cr.jpg	Harbour tug	3	2023	Replaced the Schelde class tugs.
Breezand class	File:Y8019 Balgzand (02).jpg	Harbour tug	2	1989	Also known in Dutch as the Werf class.

The total tonnage will be approx. 140,000 tonnes. Next to these ships a lot of other smaller vessels remain in the navy.

With these changes the Royal Netherlands Navy will have 10 large oceangoing vessels ranging from medium/low to high combat action ships. The renewed Dutch Navy will be a green-water navy, having enough frigates and auxiliaries to operate far out at sea, while depending on land-based air support, and, with the large amphibious squadron, they will have significant brown-water navy capabilities.

Other equipment of the Royal Netherlands Navy

Naval aviation - Maritime helicopters

File:Royal Netherlands Navy NH-90 NFH.jpg

Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 NFH at De Kooy Naval Air Station.

• 19 NH90, 11 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) and eight transport version of the NATO Frigate Helicopter (TNFH) for Marine Corps Air Lift Helicopter Squadron.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> One NFH was lost on 19 July 2020 as result of a crash in the Caribbean Sea near the island of Aruba, killing two of the four crew on board. In 2024 3 additional NH90 helicopters were ordered to supplement the current inventory and increase availability.

Since the retirement of the Westland Lynx, the Royal Netherlands Air Force fills the gap of the Lynx's amphibious task with Airbus AS-532U2 Cougar helicopters. The Cougar's main task is to support the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps on board of the LPD's and JSS. Other tasks are to provide Medical air transport to and from these ships, but also support SOF units in amphibious missions and trainings.

In 2012 an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter from the Royal Netherlands Air Force made a deck landing on board Template:HNLMS for the first time as part of an initial study into the possibilities for wider use of the helicopters as these will be upgraded to the AH-64E standard which has specific features for maritime operations.

The Dutch amphibious support ship Template:HNLMS and the JSS HNLMS Karel Doorman are designed to handle Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47F Chinook helicopters but still require additional anti corrosion measures (part of the ongoing upgrade of the CH-47F).

Drones

Name	Origin	Type	Number	Photo	Notes
Saab Skeldar V-200	{{#invoke:flag	Sweden}}	ISR / Surveillance	10	File:Skeldar V-200 German Navy ILA-2022.jpg
Airboxer<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	{{#invoke:flag	Netherlands}}	VTOL UAV<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>			citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Seafox	Template:GER	UUV			citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
REMUS	Template:USA	AUV			citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Vehicles

Name	Photo	Origin	Type	Number	Notes
Bronto F61 RPX Scania P500 B10×4 6NA	File:Scania P500B Marinebrandweer.jpg	Template:Flag Template:Flag	Firefighting truck	1	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Equipped with Bronto RPX 61 superstructure to reach 61m height.
DAF CF 410 FAN 560 6×2	—	Template:Flag	Swap body vehicle with crane for Dutch marines firefighters	3	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Ford Transit	—	Template:Flag	Utility vehicles	1	<ref name=":0" />

Royal Netherlands Marine Corps equipment

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Future changes

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In April 2018, the Dutch Government approved a multi-year investment program and allocated funds for the 2018–2030 period, including:

• The Template:Sclasss replacement with new boats planned for initial service entry in 2034.<ref name="navalnews.com"/><ref name="Walrus submarine replacement" /> The subs are currently undergoing a Service-life Extension Program (SLEP), including new sonar, new optronic periscope and weapon upgrades for near shore operations. The Royal Dutch Navy is evaluating Saab/Damen (A-26), TKMS (Upgraded 212), Navantia S-80 and a Naval Group (SSK version of Barracuda) proposal. In 2019 the S-80 option was dropped, originally with plans to place an order for the winning design in 2022 and having the first boat in service in 2028 and the first two by 2031.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="auto"/> However, in October 2021 it was reported that this timeline was no longer feasible. Instead, the Dutch Ministry of Defence signalled that the envisaged dates would have to be "substantially adjusted".<ref name="Walrus delays" /> In April 2022 it was announced that the revised schedule for the construction of the new replacement boats would likely see the first two replacement vessels entering service in the 2034 to 2037 timeframe.<ref name="navalnews.com"/> On 15 March 2024 State Secretary for Defence Christophe van der Maat officially announced that Naval Group has been selected as the winning bid.<ref name=Orka_class_1>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Upgrading the De Zeven Provinciën-class LCF frigates Theatre Ballistic Missile Defense, acquisition of RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3), a new OtoMelara 127/64 LW canon, ESSM-2 and SLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk and expanding the Mk41 VLS with an additional 8 cell unit.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Acquisition of initially two Multifunctional Support Ships to supplement existing LCF Frigates with extra container based AAW Barak-ER missiles and IAI Harop loitering munition in support of amphibious forces.
• Replacement of the Karel Doorman-class M frigates in the 2028/2030 period by 4 ships<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>(plus another 2 for the Belgian Navy), designed & built by Damen Shipyards.<ref name="nieuweschepenmarine">Template:Citation</ref> See Future Surface Combatant for more information.

• Replacement of the 6 Alkmaar-class MCM ships from 2025<ref name="MCM start" /> including MCM Drones. 6 units each will be built for both the Belgian and Dutch navies for a total of 12 ships.<ref name="nieuweschepenmarine"/> The contract was won by Naval Group on 15 March 2019 for the construction of 12 City-class mine countermeasures vessels.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Increasing the size of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps to remain highly integrated with the British Royal Marines. In 2017 the Ministry of Defence announced the formation of a Fleet Marine Squadron for the protection of merchant ships.
• In June 2023, the British and Dutch governments announced that the two countries would "explore opportunities" to jointly develop new specialist amphibious warships which for the Royal Netherlands Navy would likely replace the Rotterdam-class landing platform docks.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• The German Navy Seebatallion (Marines) will be integrated into the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.
• Cooperation with the German Navy regarding Submarine & Amphibious Operations.
• Acquisition of a new Combat Support Ship to replace the former Zr.Ms. Amsterdam, designed & build by Damen Shipyards.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> This ship will be based on the JSS Karel Doorman design to improve type commonality (architecture & components) and is expected to be delivered in 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The ship will be named Zr.Ms. Den Helder after the city of Den Helder, with the pennant A834. First steel was cut in December 2020<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the ship was launched in October 2022.<ref name="launch">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Replacement of Zr.Ms. Mercuur, Zr.Ms. Pelikaan, the four diving support vessels, the diving training vessel Zr.Ms. Soemba, the hydographic vessels Zr.Ms. Snellius en Zr.Ms. Luymes and the training vessel Van Kinsbergen from 2024 onwards.
• Acquisition of new landing craft from 2025 with additional capacity to support amphibious operations and the integration of the German Navy Marines (Seebatallion). In March 2023, a report to the Dutch Parliament outlined a plan for 12 Littoral Assault Craft (LAC) and 8 Littoral Craft Mobility (LCM) to replace the 12 existing light landing craft (Landing Craft Vehicles and Personnel - LCVP) and improve on their capability.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Main Naval Ship Based Weapons will be replaced by acquiring ESSM-2, new 127mm canons, Harpoon ASuW replacement, SM-3, SM-2 IIIC SAM, Goalkeeper CIWS replacement, MK 46 & MK 48 Torpedo replacement and SLCM.

Theater ballistic missile defence

Together with the United States and several other NATO members, the Dutch Navy is testing and updating its ships for Tactical ballistic missile defense capability. Although tests conducted concerning the capability of the APAR (Active Phased Array Radar) have been very successful, in 2018 the Dutch Government approved plans to acquire the SM-3 missiles for integration into the existing weapon suite of the LCF frigates. The four LCF ships will be fitted out with eight SM-3 missiles each (they are provisioned for this VLS extension) through Foreign Military Sales (under discussion between the US and The Netherlands).

Historic ships

• Several ships by the name of Template:HNLMS
• Several ships by the name of Template:HNLMS
• Template:Ship, 18th century fourth rate ship of the line
• Template:Ship, 17th century ship of the line and flagship of Michiel de Ruyter
• Template:HNLMS, the navy's largest warship in the 19th century
• Template:HNLMS, ironclad from the 1860s

Surviving historic ships

• Template:HNLMS
• Template:HNLMS
• Template:HNLMS
• HNLMS Onverschrokken
• HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen

Ranks and insignia

Officers Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OF/Blank Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OF/Netherlands

Abbreviation (stnd)

LAdm

VAdm

SBN

Cdr

KTZ

KLTZ

LTZ1

LTZ2OC

LTZ2

LTZ3

SgtADB

KplADB

ADB

Enlisted ranks Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OR/Blank Template:Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OR/Netherlands

Royal insignia

Insignia worn by the Monarch of the Netherlands when wearing the uniform of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Template:Navy<ref name="CiC">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	File:Netherlands-Navy-CiC.svg Koning der Nederlanden

See also

• Government Navy
• Military history of the Netherlands
• Military ranks of the Dutch armed forces
• Netherlands Naval Aviation Service
• Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Service
• Ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy

References

• Template:Cite journal
• {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}

• {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }} Template:In lang

External links

• Template:Official website