UK, Netherlands Sign £2.4 Billion Deal To Build Next-Generation Amphibious Transport Ships

The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have signed a £2.4 billion agreement to jointly build a new class of amphibious transport ships.

The agreement was signed on July 7 by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during a meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara.

Under the deal, eight amphibious transport ships will be built based on a Dutch design, with construction taking place in UK shipyards alongside the Dutch industry. The UK and the Netherlands will each receive four vessels.

The new ships are expected to become the backbone of the joint UK-Netherlands amphibious force. The programme is also expected to support hundreds of high-skilled jobs in the UK.

Each ship will be 160 metres long and have a displacement of 15,000 tonnes. They are designed to transport troops, military vehicles, equipment and drones.

Their flight decks will be able to operate both current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems, supporting the Royal Navy’s move towards a hybrid fleet.

The partnership also includes closer cooperation on autonomous and uncrewed technologies, with both countries aiming to strengthen their defence industries and improve their ability to respond to future security challenges.

“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,” Starmer said.

“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.”

UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the agreement would further strengthen the two countries’ amphibious force.

“We are building an even stronger amphibious force with the Netherlands, strengthening our defence and deterrence as close NATO allies and JEF partners,” he said.

“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 agreement builds on more than 50 years of cooperation through the UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force, described as Europe’s longest-running integrated military force.

By operating the same class of amphibious transport ship, the Royal Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy will be able to train, deploy and operate together more effectively.

The ships are also expected to support the future use of jointly developed drone and uncrewed technologies while improving NATO’s ability to respond quickly to crises.

The UK and the Netherlands, both NATO allies and members of the Joint Expeditionary Force, also said they will continue working together to protect critical undersea infrastructure and deter threats in the North Atlantic and High North. Both countries are strong supporters of Ukraine.

The agreement follows a recent UK-Norway deal to build five Type 26 vessels in UK shipyards for the Norwegian Navy, a programme expected to support around 4,000 British jobs.

The new amphibious ships also form part of the UK’s Defence Investment Plan, under which the Royal Navy is investing in a hybrid fleet that combines conventional warships with autonomous surface and undersea drones.

References: Naval News, UK government