- Agreement sets the path to building next-generation
amphibious ships for UK and Dutch forces
- Enhanced amphibious force to strengthen NATO and respond to
crises faster
- Major boost for UK industry with new cooperation on advanced
tech and fleet of ships set to be built in UK shipyards
British and Dutch forces are set to be equipped with new
amphibious transport ships under a new maritime
partnership signed today (July 7).
Based on a Dutch design, the ships will be built in UK
shipyards alongside Dutch industry as part of a £2.4 billion
deal, which is expected to support hundreds of
high-skilled UK jobs.
The new ships will form the backbone of a strengthened
UK-Netherlands amphibious force, with each nation operating four
vessels.
At 160 metres long and 15,000 tonnes, the ships will transport
troops, vehicles and equipment including drones wherever they are
needed. Their flight decks will be designed to operate current
and future long-range drones and autonomous systems, supporting
the Royal Navy's transition to a hybrid Navy.
The partnership will also accelerate industrial and military
cooperation on autonomous and uncrewed technology, boosting
defence industry in both nations while helping stay ahead of new
threats.
Prime Minister and Prime Minister Rob Jetten
signed the agreement today during a meeting of NATO leaders in
Ankara.
Prime Minister said:
"This partnership is not just about building ships, it is
also about delivering long term security for both the UK and The
Netherlands, ensuring we are able to stay ahead of the threats of
tomorrow.
"Combining the UK's industrial expertise with The Netherlands'
design and sea-faring experience to deliver first-rate platforms
for our elite amphibious forces, this partnership will strengthen
NATO.
"I am incredibly proud that British shipyards will help deliver
these ships, creating and sustaining good jobs here at home in
the UK."
Defence Secretary MBE MP said:
We are building an even stronger amphibious force with the
Netherlands, strengthening our defence and deterrence as close
NATO allies and JEF partners.
Our forces will operate the same equipment and deploy on
exercises together, so if they need to, we can fight and win
together. In close partnership, we are responding to the threats
we face to make our nations and Europe safer.
The enhanced partnership builds on more than 50 years of maritime
cooperation through the UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force Europe's
longest-running integrated military force.
The Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy will increasingly
train, deploy, and operate together more effectively, while
improving NATO's ability to respond quickly to crises.
Operating the same amphibious transport ship is key to the
integration of both Navies, as well as the future drone and
uncrewed tech that will be developed between the two nations.
As close NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies, and strong
supporters of Ukraine, the UK and Netherlands will work
together to protect critical undersea infrastructure and deter
threats in the North Atlantic and High North.
The partnership builds on the recent deal struck by the UK and
Norway to deliver five Type 26 vessels - built in UK
shipyards - to the Norwegian Navy, supporting 4000 British jobs.
It also comes as the UK is investing billions on the hybrid
navy through the Defence Investment Plan, which will see the
Royal Navy transform into a more lethal and technologically
advanced hybrid force, combining cutting-edge warships with
autonomous surface and undersea drones.
