Good news for the Netherlands Marine Corps: the marines are getting a completely new generation of landing craft, and this is what it will look like (see photo above). Finnish shipbuilder Alutech will supply the boats, and that means a big leap forward in speed, safety and technology. With these new boats, marines can sail to the coast at high speed, stay at sea longer and operate with better protection in dangerous areas.
The new boats reach a top speed of 35 knots. That converts to 65 kilometres per hour on the water. And that is extremely fast for a heavy military vessel full of fully equipped marines. For comparison: many older landing craft do not even reach half of that.
From clumsy landing craft to high-tech assault boat
For years the Dutch marines used outdated landing craft that were strong, but not very fast and technically obsolete. That time is now over, now that more money has become available. With the new boats, marines can respond much faster to threats, land faster and disappear just as quickly. In modern conflicts, where drones, missiles and precision weapons are everywhere, speed can literally mean the difference between life and death.
The new Dutch boats are derived from a proven Finnish design: the Watercat M12. This type was developed in the late 1990s for the Finnish navy and is specially built for rough seas, cold, shallow water and heavy military use. That makes the design ideal for Dutch operations too, from the North Sea to international missions.
(Image Marinealutech.com, this is the Watercat M12)
Super fast and agile
What makes this boat so special is the waterjet system. Instead of classic propellers, the boat uses powerful water jets for propulsion. That has big advantages. The boat is extremely manoeuvrable, can turn very quickly and can stop from full speed within almost one boat length. That is crucial in combat close to the coast, where fast manoeuvring often makes the difference.
Because the underside of the boat is completely smooth, it can also sail safely in very shallow water. That is perfect for amphibious landings on beaches, riverbanks and hard-to-reach coasts. Marines can therefore land in places where an enemy does not expect it.
Faster loading, faster fighting
At the front of the boat are twenty special shock-absorbing seats, complete with seat belts. This protects marines against hard impacts at high speed over rough seas. Above the deck is a light composite canopy that offers protection against wind, water and flying debris.
Via hatches in the canopy and a hydraulic bow ramp, marines can go ashore extremely quickly. The ramp folds open forwards, after which vehicles, equipment and personnel storm out within seconds. Seconds like these are of great value in military operations.
(Image Marinealutech.com, this is the Watercat M12)
Quieter boat, smarter systems
It is also striking that the new boat is surprisingly quiet for a military vessel. The noise level stays below 75 decibels, comparable to busy traffic. That is not only more pleasant for the crew, but also tactically important: the quieter you are, the smaller the chance of being spotted early.
The boat is equipped with the latest navigation, radar and communication systems. Everything is placed ergonomically so that the coxswain keeps an overview even in extreme conditions. That ensures more safety, better control and faster decision-making in dangerous situations.
From transport boat to combat vessel
Although the boat is mainly intended to transport marines quickly, it can also be heavily armed. For military missions, the boat can be fitted with two 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. This allows the vessel to defend itself against drones, small boats and enemy troops ashore.
In practice this means the boat is not just a “taxi” for marines, but can also take an active part in combat and provide the first fire during a landing.
Why this matters for the Netherlands
These new boats fit perfectly into the modern way of waging war. Nowadays, large naval ships often stay further out at sea, out of range of enemy missiles. From there, fast landing craft sail to the coast to put marines and equipment ashore. That makes operations safer and more flexible.
Thanks to the high speed of 65 km/h, the long range, better armour and smart systems, Dutch marines will soon be able to respond faster to crises, carry out humanitarian missions and take part in international operations with NATO partners.
Finnish craftsmanship for Dutch striking power
It is no coincidence that Marine Alutech gets to supply these boats. The Finnish company has been known for years for its robust military vessels that keep performing in extreme conditions. From icy waters to rough stormy seas: its boats are built for this.
For the Netherlands, this choice therefore means not just a new boat, but a fine step forward in speed, safety and modern warfare.
