- Navy
- Netherlands Maritime Force
Submarine Service
Submarines appear to be invisible, as they are difficult to detect. They navigate below the water’s surface, emit very few signals and, in addition, are very quiet.
For the performance of their tasks, they can stay under water without assistance or supplies for long periods of time. The motto of the Submarine Service is therefore 'To see without being seen'.
In peacetime or during peace operations, submarines are mainly deployed in a reconnaissance role, in which they collect information. This could, for example, involve taking photos and making video recordings, monitoring suspicious entities without being detected and intercepting communication channels. In addition, they can be used for putting ashore special units by stealth.
During peacetime, submarines also serve as practice targets for frigates, helicopters and other submarines of the Royal Netherlands Navy or our allies.
In wartime, in addition to reconnaissance and information collection, their principal task is to detect and attack enemy submarines and surface ships. The great advantage of submarines is that they are able to operate in areas of enemy surface and air superiority as well in areas that are difficult for frigates and aircraft to reach.
Submarines are equipped with modern electronics and advanced sensor and weapon systems, such as the periscope for visual observation, sonar for acoustic observation, radar interception and analysis equipment and communications interception equipment. These systems are fully integrated with one another.
Royal Netherlands Navy submarines work in close cooperation with the submarine services of other NATO countries, such as the United States, Britain, Norway and Germany.
Social Media