The Royal Netherlands Navy is taking a new step in the development of unmanned ships, but has had to make an important change of course. The previously considered design, based on the Damen FCS 5009, has been dropped. Instead, new designs are now being considered for a so-called multi-purpose support vessel without a crew.
The project revolves around a Large Uncrewed Surface Vessel, a relatively large unmanned ship that can operate independently or remotely. This type of ship is to play an important role in the future as a complement to traditional warships.
From a Damen design to a new course
Initially, the Damen FCS 5009 was considered as the basis for this programme. That fast support vessel seemed a logical choice given the existing technology and experience of the Dutch shipbuilder. Even so, it has now been decided not to pursue that design any further.
The exact reason has not been made public, but it suggests that the requirements for the new ship probably go beyond what the original concept could offer. Think of autonomy, integration of weapon systems and operational flexibility.
As a result, the project has been reopened, with several shipyards competing for the contract to deliver a new design.
An unmanned ship as a ‘loyal wingman’ at sea
The future ship is meant to be more than just an unmanned platform. The idea is that it will function as a kind of maritime ‘loyal wingman’ for larger naval vessels.
That means the ship can carry out tasks on its own, such as reconnaissance, security or even deploying weapon systems. Thanks to containerisation, different payloads can be fitted depending on the mission. Think of sensors, missile systems or electronic warfare.
This makes the concept flexible and scalable. Instead of one large, expensive ship, several smaller unmanned vessels can operate together and so increase striking power.
International development is accelerating
The Netherlands is not the only country moving in this direction. The United States in particular is investing heavily in Large Uncrewed Surface Vessels, and concrete steps towards operational use are already being taken there.
Notably, Damen recently received an order from the US Navy to build similar ships. (see image above) That shows the Dutch company’s technology and designs are certainly in demand internationally.
This creates an interesting situation. Although the original Damen concept for the Royal Netherlands Navy has been dropped, the company remains an important player in this market.
A logical choice or a new direction?
It is not out of the question that the Netherlands will eventually choose a design similar to what Damen is developing for the United States. The overlap in requirements and concepts is large: modular construction, containerised payloads and use as a support platform.
At the same time, reopening the tender leaves room for new ideas and innovations. Other shipyards can come up with alternative solutions that better match the specific wishes of the Dutch navy.
The future of the navy is changing
The search for a new design shows how quickly the role of unmanned systems is growing. Where autonomous ships were still experimental a few years ago, they are now being seriously included in fleet planning.
For the Royal Netherlands Navy, this is an important step towards a hybrid fleet in which crewed and uncrewed systems work closely together.
The coming years will make clear which design is finally chosen. But one thing is certain: unmanned ships will have a permanent place in the maritime operations of the future.
