Hi all!
From what I've read, Damen is one of the leading contenders for Germany's MKS-180 programme as well after TKMS's management of F-125 was considered proof that they suck at surface ships and should really concentrate on subs. There seems to be talk about the Dutch Navy selecting some TKMS sub design (216?) if the German Navy goes for Damen's proposal for MKS-180. Might be just gossip (German news magazines are notorious for their poor knowledge of defence issues, probably because German journalists consider interest in such matters as dishonourable and embarrassing). The decision on the contractor for MKS-180 is due for 2019; funding has been provided last week.
Anyone knows more about that topic?
Greetings
GD
A trade between Damen and TKMS has been (rumored to be) proposed by TKMS to the german government lobby. As MihoshiK already said Damen will not use the Omega frigate for the MKS-180 proposal, the class is build upon the early requirments for the M-frigate replacement programme for the Dutch and Belgian navies. It is also proposed to Indonesia for its Future Frigate programme, they could join the M-frigate replacement programme to replace the 6 Ahmad Yani class (ex-Van Speijk) frigates with 4 to 6 new frigates.
The Dutch MOD had previously stated that the M-frigate replacement will also serve as base for the replacement of the Zeven Provincien class AAW frigates in the 30's. The German Sachsen class frigates need to be replaced in the same timeframe.
For the future submarine project 4 proposals have been offered:
- Damen-Saab with A26 Oceanic ER or a design based upon A26 Oceanic ER
- Naval Group with modified Baracuda submarine
- TKMS with a unknown design
- Navantia with S-80 design
In my oppinion the S-80 in itself should not even be considered due to the problems within the Spanish program. Beside the S-80 problems Navantia also offered its proposal for the future MCMV's but was eliminated for not being able to provide bank support for the project. The submarine project is 4 times that value.
TKMS also is not a stable company at this time what could provide a higher risk to the project. Also its submarines are not proven in the open waters where the Dutch submarines operate.
My #1 is the A26 Oceanic ER at this point, also this will be the only proposal to be build in the Netherlands. The hulls will be produced in Sweden but interior and completion will be done by Damen Schelde in Vlissingen.
This video was released at Euronaval 2018 by Saab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY-2Nc0_Bog