Export subs

Dutch Export Submarines Zwaardvis (2)  /  Moray for Egypt

June 28, 2002 in Security of Israel

The Egyptian Navy is now in the process of acquiring two new Dutch-designed Moray-class diesel-electric submarines from Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The contract between Litton Ingalls and the Egyptian Navy was signed in October 2000. The contract allows for RDM to be a subcontractor in the deal overseeing production and design since the Moray-class was designed by RDM-Submarines in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

 

AMI, February 2002

As of early 2002, United States Congressional critics have been lobbying to reduce the annual military aid package to Egypt. Since the Camp David Peace Accords of 1979, Egypt has been privy to an annual military aid package of US$1.3B, which in large part has been utilized to finance the bulk of the Egyptian Armed Forces modernization programs with Western-made equipment. However, due to Egypt’s slowing economy over the past several years; pressure is growing in the US Congress to introduce legislation to consider reducing military aid to Egypt in favour of economic aid.  . . . .

. . . . Any type of legislation will have a tough up-hill battle in the House and Senate, since Egypt is an active participant in the US-led anti-terrorist war.  In the event that military aid is cut, two major Egyptian naval programs could face further delays, one being the Moray submarine program; which has been inching forward slowly since 1999, and the fast attack craft program (Halter Marine Ambassador MK III design), delayed since 2001, when Halter Marine filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. . . . .

Agence France Presse - November 19, 2001

Several submarine builders have expressed interest in the Taiwanese navy's plan to acquire eight conventional submarines, according to a soon to be published report in Jane's Defence Weekly.

In an article to be published on November 21, Jane's says several submarine builders had submitted concept papers to the US Navy's (USN) International Programmes Office (IPO), which supervises Taiwan's submarine deal which was recently guaranteed by US President George W. Bush.

"Although industry representatives have been reluctant to discuss their bids, industry, navy and US Department of Defence sources reveal that a number of companies are interested in the programme," the authoritative military magazine says.

Among the companies is Northrop Grumman, it says.

Jane's says that "Northrop is looking at using a modified version of the Netherlands' RDM Moray-class design that Northrop's Ingalls Shipyard plans to build for the Egyptian Navy."

Bush in April approved the sale of eight diesel-electric submarines as part of Washington's most comprehensive arms package to Taipei since 1992.

The USA has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years and designing an entirely new one would be prohibitively expensive. Therefore, the most likely solution would involve foreign participation, it says.

To help the clarify the situation, the US Navy set up a Team Diesel Submarine group last September, the weekly says.

"The group subsequently visited Taiwan to assess its requirements and released an informal request for information to industry on 16 October," it says.

Military sources here have said Taiwan's navy favour Germany's 209-class or Dutch-designed Moray submarines.

But both countries have said they would not get involved in arms sales to the island, which Beijing regards as part of its territory to be unified with the mainland by force, if necessary.

A US official was cited by Jane's as saying "such restrictions need not be insurmountable, as the US could get the blueprints from a friendly country that has bought RDM submarines and provide them to the USN."

The weekly says another option involves General Dynamics (GD) participating in the sub programme in co-operation with the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC), which is building the Collins-class diesel-electric submarine.

"The GD offering is not expected to be an exact Collins-class design but a modified approach tailored for Taiwan's requirements," it says.

Taiwan's navy currently operates a fleet of four submarines including two Dutch-built Sword Dragon submarines and two aging US vessels.

 

Click here for more info on the export of Dutch subs to Taiwan.

Source: NRC/Menno Steketee 24 Oct 2001 

The Malaysian Minister of defence stated that the Malaysian government will acquire two second hand submarines and two new ones. He also stated that the two ex-Dutch submarines off the Zwaardvis class will not be part of the deal This is a major set back for RDM since this Dutch yard counted on the deal and therefore already shipped the two submarines to Malaysia last year. The plan was to refit these subs at the Penang Shipbuilding and Construction-Naval Dockyard before leasing them to the Malaysian Navy.

Last year there was talk that Malaysia intended to sign the lease contract and even wanted to buy  two new Dutch Moray submarines (app. 500 million guilders a piece).

It is reported that RDM is still talking to the highest authorities in order to get this deal closed.

Some other bad news for RDM is that US shipyards might use Dutch blueprints (Seadragon class) in order to help Taiwan getting its submarines. If this plan is realized the US could also offer this design to Egypt, which is an other potential customer for RDM.

 

AMI International, May/August 2001.

 

Program Status: Planned -- likely. The US Government is currently evaluating a scheme whereby Northrop Grumman Ingalls Shipbuilding will build two Moray 1400 class submarines designed by Rotterdam Dockyard Company Submarines (RDMS) and Nevesbu BV for the Egyptian Navy (EN).

Operational Requirement: The EN has a requirement for a modern submarine force to conduct anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) patrols in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Additionally, the submarines are needed to counter the newer submarines being acquired by Iran (three Kilo class) and Israel (three Dolphin/Type 800 class).

Program Background: Since the early 1990s, the EN has been attempting to acquire Western submarines to replace the four Improved Romeo (Type 033) class that were transferred from China in the early 1980s. As recently as 1989, Egypt had a submarine force of 12 Romeo and Whiskey class submarines but age has reduced that number to the current four. The four Romeo class currently in service were modernized with Western weapons and sensor systems from 1993 through 1996. However, these units were built in the 1960s, and will need replacement within the next several years.

Egypt issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) for new submarines in September 1991, and since that time the program has been bedevilled by financial and diplomatic obstacles. The heart of Egypt’s difficulties stem from the fact that most of Egypt’s military procurements are financed by the US$1.3B it receives in US foreign military assistance (FMA), and the US is unwilling to allow these funds to pay for the purchase of non-American military equipment. Unfortunately for Egypt’s submarine acquisition efforts, US shipyards have not produced diesel-electric submarines since the 1960s. Egypt spent most of the past decade trying to obtain an affordable acquisition package that satisfies US content requirements. Listed below were some of the options that were initially considered by the EN:

1. Type 209 class: Under this proposal, Ingalls Shipbuilding (now Northrop Grumman) would purchase kits for two Type 209 submarines from Howaldtswerft Deutsche Werke (HDW), ship them to the US, and assemble the submarines in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Under this arrangement, approximately 60% of the effort would come through US content and be eligible for FMA funding, the remainder would require Egyptian National Defence Budget funding. In April of 1994, the US State Department granted Ingalls an export license for two Type 209 submarines, indicating that the shipyard was fairly far along in its planning. However, in June of 1997, Ingalls announced that it had withdrawn its bid from consideration. The value of the Ingalls Type 209 proposal was reported to be US$800M.

2. Scorpene class: In April 1997, Southwest Marine of San Diego, CA, teamed with Empresa Nacional Bazan (now IZAR) of Spain, visited Egypt to present their proposal to build two Scorpene class submarines fitted with US-made internals provided by Lockheed Martin Systems and EDO. The Southwest Marine offer was extremely attractive in that it involved a US content of between 80-86%; presumably achieved by conducting most of the hull construction in the US. On the other hand, the Southwest Marine/IZAR offer carried significant risk with an untried design and a new team in the submarine construction business. The Southwest Marine/IZAR proposal was reportedly valued at between US$600-700M.

3. Kilo class: Loral (now part of Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems) and Rockwell (now Boeing) investigated teaming with Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard in Nihzhny Novogorod, Russia to present an offer that would produce two Kilo class submarines fitted with US-made internals. The effort met early and strong resistance from the US Congress and State Department, and was never seriously considered.

4. Agosta B class: There were several reports that Pakistan offered its Agosta B design to the EN for a total of US$119M for two units.

5. Zwaardvis class: The Royal Netherlands Navy decommissioned its two Zwaardvis class submarines in 1995 after 23 years of service, and in 1996 they transferred the submarines to Rotterdam Dockyard Company (RDM) for re-sale. In 1998, the press reported that Egypt, the Netherlands, and the US were involved in advanced negotiations to put together a deal for US FMA funding to purchase, refit, and modernize the two Zwaardvis class submarines for Egyptian service. Reportedly, the two submarines would have been refit and modernized by Ingalls with combat systems supplied by Lockheed Martin. This proposal probably did not have the level of US content needed to be financially feasible and, the EN was more interested in new submarines.

6. Moray class: Nevesbu BV and Rotterdam Dockyard Company Submarines (RDMS), developed the Moray design in the early 1990s, and have had no success in finding prospective customers. At IMDEX ASIA-99, held in Singapore in May of 1999, RDMS teamed with Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems (with its SUBICS 900 combat system) and Ingalls Shipbuilding to address the Egyptian requirement. At IMDEX, members of the team were optimistic that this was the best solution, however, had major political hurdles to cross for final approval.

Of the six proposals received by the EN, only the Moray and the Zwaardvis classes were seriously considered. The biggest detractor for the Zwaardvis class was its relative age. The EN did not want to buy more used submarines to face a similar obsolescence problem a decade later. By late 1999, the EN decided that the Moray design constructed in US would be the best solution. Weapon systems availability, crew training, and program financing appear to have convinced the EN that the Moray is the most logical choice for the new submarine.

Program Acquisition Plan: The program acquisition plan for the Moray submarine is entirely dependent on acquiring necessary funding, RDMS design guarantees, and US Government releasability for technology transfers to the EN. The financing hurdle has apparently already been cleared, as funding will be reportedly be available by October 2002. On 15 September 2000, Egypt signed a letter of intent to procure two Moray 1400 class submarines from Ingalls Shipbuilding. The EN is now free to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with RDMS for design and performance guarantees. RDMS has been reluctant in the past to guarantee a design that has never been used, however, considerable pressure will probably be applied by Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding and Lockheed Martin Naval Electronic & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) to reach some type of guarantee. More than likely, some type of quality assurance issues will be guaranteed for the EN in order to complete this deal.

Currently, the technology releasability issue (for export license) is being examined by the US Government (primarily by the US Navy and the Defence Security and Cooperation Agency {DSCA}) to ensure there is no inadvertent technology transfer to the EN. It also must be noted that the US Navy is reluctant to allow US shipbuilders to produce diesel submarines, and the Ingalls technology compliance plan must be agreed upon by US Navy officials for final approval. However, US Navy reluctance will probably be overcome by diplomatic and industrial pressure, and program approval is anticipated by mid-2002, with a construction contract by the end of the year. The first unit (Batch I) will probably start construction in 2003, with delivery to the EN in 2006, and unit two (Batch I) delivering in 2008.

Two additional units (Batch II) will probably be ordered around 2008, with construction commencing in 2010. Batch II will also consist of two units and be delivered by 2013 and 2014. All four units are expected to replace the four Improved Romeo class on a one-for-one basis.

Estimates are that the first two submarines will cost around US$400M each, and as of 1999, only US$300M from its US FMA allowance was destined for the submarine acquisition. Additional funding for units one and two will be obtained in 2002 by reprioritizing the existing budget. Funding for units three and four is not anticipated until around 2008. The following acquisition plan, for a buy of four units valued at an estimated US$400M each, is projected:

• Contract Design 1999

• Construction Contract RfP 1999

• Construction Contract Award (Batch I) 2002

• First of Class Commissions 2006

• Hull Two Commissions 2008

• Construction Contract Award (Batch II) 2008

• Hull Three Commissions 2010

• Hull Four Commissions 2011

Design and Construction Considerations: When the EN released its RfP in September 1991, it listed specific capabilities and financing terms as identified below:

• The design would have at least three years of proven operational experience.

• The submarines will be able to fire the Boeing Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) and the Raytheon Mk-37 torpedoes.

• Support would be provided in crew training, spares, and documentation.

• Program financing.

The RDMS Moray design appears to meet the criteria as specified by the EN, with the exception of the three years of operational experience. This is primarily the reason the EN is insisting on design and performance guarantees. More than likely, the new submarine will have the following systems installed:

• Six 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes for the Boeing Harpoon and Raytheon Mk 37 torpedoes.

• Lockheed Martin NE&SS- Undersea Systems SUBICS 900 Combat Management System (CMS).

• Litton Marine Systems BPS-15 surface search radar.

• Condor Systems AR-900 Electronic Support Measures (ESM) suite.

• An undetermined bow-mounted cylindrical and flank arrays; intercept and mine avoidance sonar.

• Kollmorgen Model 76 Attack and Search periscopes.

Ship Characteristics:

Vessel Type	Submarine
Country	Egypt
Program	Future Submarine
Total Number	2
Unit Cost (US$)	400M (Est.)
Builder	To be determined, probably Northrop Grumman Ingalls Shipbuilding using the RDMS Moray 1400 design.
Displ. Tons	1,595 (submerged)
Length	57m (187ft)
Beam	6.4m (20.9ft)
Draft	5.4m (17.7ft)
Machinery	Diesel-electric: Three diesels; one shaft; one propeller. (Est.)
Speed (Knots)	12 (surfaced or snorting); 20 submerged. (Est.)
Range	9,000nm (surfaced/snorting): 300 (submerged). (Est.)
Diving Depth	300m (984.2ft) (Est.)
Complement	25 (including 5 officers) (Est.)
Weapons	Torpedoes: Six 21-inch (533mm) tubes with a weapons load-out of 18 Raytheon Mk 37 torpedoes or mines.
Missiles	Surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs): Boeing Harpoon SSMs in lieu of torpedoes.
CMS/Fire Control	CMS: Lockheed Martin SUBICS 900. (Est.)
Radar	Surface search: Open. Probably Litton Marine Systems BPS-15.
Countermeasures	Electronic Support Measures (ESM): Open. Probably Condor Systems AR-900 ESM suite.
Sonar	Open. Probably bow-mounted cylindrical and flank arrays; intercept and mine avoidance.
Periscope	Open. Probably Kollmorgen Model 76 Attack and Search periscopes.

Taipei Times, 3 May 2001.

The US has plans to build Dutch-designed Moray submarines for Egypt. If the plan is finalized, the construction is scheduled to take place at Northrop Grumman's Ingall Shipyards in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Email 10 Oct 2000.

As was already reported Egypt has signed a letter of intent, on 15 September, with RDM for a submarine deal The next step in the process is a MOU between the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Egyptian Navy. After the MOU the contract negotiations, in which Ingalls Shipbuilding will be the prime contractor, will start. One of the next meetings in the process will be during the EURONAVAL exhibition/conference.

Janes Defence Weekly Oct 17 2000.
MENNO STEKETEE JDW Special Correspondent 's-Gravenhage.
Additional reporting by Richard Scott, JDW Naval Editor.

The Egyptian government has signed a letter of intent (LoI) to purchase two new Dutch-designed Moray-class diesel-electric submarines from an industry team led by Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding.

The deal, under US Foreign Military Funding (FMF) arrangements, will be the first sale of RDM Submarines' Moray design and will also mark the resumption of non-nuclear submarine building in the USA.

Ingalls Shipbuilding is prime contractor for the order, with RDM Submarines (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) Undersea Systems (Manassas, Virginia) as major subcontractors.

The LoI was issued last month: negotiations are continuing on the detailed terms of the sale, with the aim to have a contract effective in the first half of next year. The intended purchase of the Moray-class submarines will augment the Egyptian Navy's existing fleet of four ex-USSR Improved Romeo-class (Type 033) (SKK) patrol submarines.

Both submarines will be built at the Ingalls facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi, with delivery anticipated between five and seven years after contract signature. As major subcontractors, RDM Submarines will act as the Moray design authority and production supervisor, while Lockheed Martin NE&SS Undersea Systems will deliver the SUBICS 900 combat system and perform overall combat system integration.

The industry arrangements are designed to address FMF programme stipulations. Egypt is entitled to use FMF funds to buy submarines, but the programme mandates reinvestment of at least half of the funds in the US economy. As the USA has no existing conventional submarine manufacturing base, an overseas partner was required.

Several years ago Ingalls and German submarine builder Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) Kiel teamed to offer the Type 209-class submarine to Egypt but funding issues could not be resolved at the time.

 

NRC / Rotterdams Dagblad, 28- 29 Sep 2000.

RDM's first Moray submarine is almost sold. The Egyptian government and the Dutch RDM shipyard signed a letter of intent for the sell of two Moray submarines. These Dutch submarines will be constructed in the USA. Therefore a consortium was founded between RDM, Ingalls Shipbuilding en Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems. RDM Submarines, in corporation with the Dutch design bureau NEVESBU, will provided the designs. RDM Submarines will be present 'on site' in order to assist the American builders.

This letter of intent is the first step toward a contract. After the final contract is signed there will be negotiations on technical and personnel support from the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Since the Camp David peace treaty (1979) the USA promised Egypt to built and finance submarines for the Egyptian Navy. In exchange 50% of the money should be reinvested in the USA. The problem was that the US Navy only designs and builds nuclear submarines, which are too expensive for the Egyptian Navy. The Moray submarines designed by RDM have diesel-electric propulsion.

The negotiations will probably be concluded early 2001. The construction of the submarines will take about five years.

NEVESBU 16 Sept 2000.

Today a Letter of Intent was signed by the Egyptian Government for the delivery of two Moray-1400 Class submarines. The submarines will be designed and manufactured by a consortium consisting of RDM in the Netherlands, the American shipbuilder Litton Ingalls and the American Weapon Systems supplier Lockheed Martin. The delivery of the two submarines is a direct result from the Camp David agreement. Because the Americans lack the know-how and experience related to conventional diesel-electric propelled submarines, the Dutch RDM is part of the consortium. Nevesbu BV, the design and engineering company in the RDM holding which possesses the specific submarine knowledge, will provide the design and engineering services.

 

NRC Aug 31 2000.

It is reported that the RDM /Ingalls/Egypt submarine deal is not off. Talks are still going 

 

Email Apr 2000.

According to the newest rumours the submarine deal between the Dutch RDM shipyard and Egypt is off. But it is also reported (rumours) that there are negotiations between RDM and Malaysia about the sale of the two decommissioned (and bought by RDM) ex-Dutch Navy Zwaardvis (2)-class submarines. The Malaysian Navy would use one, or both, of these subs as training boats.

Jane's Defence Weekly, 12 January 2000.

Egypt is looking to buy two submarines and has budgeted $300 million of the expected US military aid for 2000. However, these funds seem to be too low for the acquisition of a new ship. Egypt is reportedly interested in two ex-Dutch Zwaardvis submarines.

Various emails. Sept 1999.

According to several emails the news reported in Aug 1999 about a possible Moray deal between R.D.M. Submarines, Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems (USA), shipyard Litton Ingals (USA) and the Egyptian Navy does not includes any newly built Moray submarines. The deal probably includes only the two decommissioned (and bought by RDM) ex-Dutch Navy Zwaardvis (2)-class submarines. These subs will probably be refitted at the US Ingalls shipyard.

But other sources report the 'RDM / Egypt' deal does include the new Moray design. Possibly the 2nd hand Zwaardvis (2)-class subs are thrown in (and refitted) for 'free'. All this so RDM can sell its first Moray.

The subs included in the Ingalls deal 'will' be built in the US. But the trial crew will be Dutch.

I guess only time will tell what the deal is all about.

US Navy August 1999.

PATUZYUW RUCOMCB3916 2291538-UUUU--RULSSEA RULSSBE.
ZNR UUUUU ZUI RULSSAK0307 2280906
P 160906Z AUG 99 ZYB PSN 242181M18
FM NAVY IPO WASHINGTON DC//00//
TO RUBDPLA/OMC CAIRO EG//
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//DSCA-OPS-MAA//
RUCJACC/USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ4/7//
RUENAAA/CNO WASHINGTON DC//N3//
RULSSBE/PEO SUB WASHINGTON DC//
RULSSEA/COMNAVSEASYSCOM WASHINGTON
DC//SEA-92/SEA-08/PMS-380//
RULSSAK/NAVY IPO WASHINGTON DC//280/00//
BT
UNCLAS //N04920//
MSGID/GENADMIN/NAVY IPO-00//
SUBJ/PARTICIPATION IN EGYPTIAN NAVY DIESEL SUBMARINE
PROGRAM//
REF/A/MSG/OMC CAIRO EG/YMD:990809/091312ZAUG/NOTAL//
REF/B/DOC/SECNAV RPT TO CONGRESS/YMD:92MAY/SEPCOR//
NARR/REF A IS OMC CAIRO EGYPT MESSAGE WHICH CONVEYS VADM
SABER REQUEST FOR USN ASSISTANCE IN THE EN DIESEL SUBMARINE
PROGRAM.
REF B IS SECNAV REPORT TO CONGRESS WHICH OUTLINES THE
CRITERIA TO BE USED BY THE USN FOR EVALUATING EXPORT LICENSE REQUEST TO
BUILD DIESEL SUBMARINES IN US SHIPYARDS.//
RMKS/

1. REF A ADVISED THAT EGYPTIAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE IS
REQUESTING USN SUPPORT FOR THE EGYPTIAN DIESEL SUBMARINE
PROGRAM SIMILAR TO THAT BEING PROVIDED TO THE EGYPTIAN NAVY ON THE
FAST MISSILE CRAFT PROGRAM. REF A ALSO INCLUDED CLARIFICATION BY
EGYPTIAN LEADERSHIP THAT USN SUPPORT WOULD BE LIMITED AND
ORIENTED TOWARD PARTICIPATION WITH THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY (RNLN)
AS A CONSULTANT.

2. WE ARE PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE EGYPTIAN NAVY HAS ACQUIRED THE COOPERATION OF THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY TO PROVIDE ON-SITE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE AT THE INGALLS FACILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL CONSTRUCTION COMPLIES WITH ESTABLISHED RDM DESIGN AND RECOMMENDED RDM MANUFACTURING PROCESSES. THE RNLN, WHICH HAS AN EXCELLENT RECORD OF SUCCESSFULLY AND SAFELY OPERATING RDM DESIGNED AND BUILT SUBMARINES, HAS COMMITTED TO ASSIST IN CREW TRAINING AS WELL AS TEST AND TRIALS FOR THE SUBMARINES. AS A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS THE EGYPTIAN NAVY SHOULD RECEIVE A "STATE OF THE ART" DIESEL SUBMARINE.

3. THE USN ENJOYS EXCELLENT NAVY-TO-NAVY TIES WITH THE EN. REGARDING USN ASSISTANCE WITH THE UPCOMING DIESEL SUBMARINE PROGRAM, IT IS IMPORTANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT SUPPORT TO DIESEL SUBMARINE PROGRAMS IS GOVERNED BY RESTRICTIVE POLICIES. THESE ARE ADDRESSED IN THE SECNAV REPORT TO CONGRESS OF MAY 1992 (REF B). WHILE THIS REPORT WAS GENERATED TO ADDRESS EXPORT LICENSES, IT ENCOMPASSES THE PHILOSOPHY BY WHICH THE USN EVALUATES FOREIGN DISCLOSURE RELATED TO DIESEL SUBMARINES. AS A PRE-REQUISITE TO DETERMINING IF LIMITED SUPPORT CAN BE PROVIDED, WE FIRST MUST CLEARLY UNDERSTAND THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF SUPPORT REQUESTED. UPON CLARIFICATION OF THE DESIRED SUPPORT, WE WILL ASSESS THE POTENTIAL FOR USN SUPPORT/ASSISTANCE.

4. NIPO LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM.

NIPO POINT OF CONTACT IS CAPTAIN RICH MILLER, SOUTHCOM/CENTCOM REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PHONE (202)
764-2655.//
BT
#3916
NNNN

 

USNI PROCEEDINGS March 1999.

A July 1998 proposal by Netherlands submarine builder RDM to sell its two retired Dutch Navy Zwaardvis (2) -class submarines to Egypt after modernization at Ingalls Shipbuilding in the United States has not been brought to fruition; the package also included follow-on assembly of RDM's perennially unbought Moray-class diesel attack boat design at Pascagoula, with the entire program to be financed with U.S. military aid funds. RDM also is said still to be in the running for Taiwan's planned construction of up to a dozen diesel submarines (despite previous Netherlands government prohibition against military sales to Taiwan), although a new competitor was reported in January 1999 in the form of a plan to fabricate German-designed submarine sections at Electric Boat for delivery to Taiwan for final assembly. (emailed to me by Gorka L. Martinez Mezo)

 

Marineforum, 1 October 1998.

Egypt is engaged in "advanced negotiations" to buy two 28-year old submarines of the Zwaardvis type from the Netherlands. They are to be modernized at the expense of the US government (using FMS funds). Marineforum, 1 October 1998

 

Jane's Defence Weekly, 8 July 1998. By Richard Scott, London and Joris Janssen Lok, 's-Gravenhage.

Egypt is negotiating a government-to-government deal for a US Foreign Military Funding (FMF) package to finance the purchase, refit and modernization of two former Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) Zwaardvis (2)-class submarines. It is understood that the deal will include follow-on options for up to two new-build RDM-designed Moray 1400 submarines.

Zwaardvis (2) (first of class) in the North Sea.

Talks between the Egyptian, US and Dutch governments, intended to lead to a trilateral memorandum of understanding, are understood to be at an advanced stage. A firm decision must be made by September, at which time the FMF offer expires.
US sources say that the US Defence Security Assistance Agency, which oversees the FMF programme, has given the plan its conditional endorsement. Litton's Ingalls Shipbuilding division would be industry prime contractor for the deal, with Lockheed Martin Federal Systems undertaking systems integration and RDM Submarines responsible for platform design and support issues.

Moray 1400 computer image

Decommissioned by the RNLN in 1994 after 22 years service, Zwaardvis (2) and its sister boat Tijgerhaai (2) were acquired by RDM Submarines for re-sale the following year. The two 2,400-tonne submarines are currently in care and maintenance storage in Rotterdam.
Under the FMF plan, the two Zwaardvis (2)-class boats would be brought to Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for refitting and modernization. This would include a major combat system upgrade based around Lockheed Martin's SUBICS 900 command, weapon control and sensor suite. Delivery is planned 36 months after contract signature. As scheduled, the refit and modernization program would be completed in late 2001.

Egypt has for several years been seeking to use FMF appropriations to acquire two new submarines. However, earlier plans to buy German-designed Type 209 submarines license-built by Ingalls did not qualify for FMF funds because the value of the program to US industry was less than the required 50%. A spokesman for Ingalls confirmed the shipyard's involvement in the Zwaardvis program alongside Lockheed Martin and RDM Submarines. However, the company said it would be "inappropriate at this point to discuss any specifics of the program, or our team's efforts" owing to the sensitive timing of the project.

Photos added by webmaster.

 

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