Saft has secured a contract from Naval Group to supply lithium-ion battery systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s four next-generation Orka-class submarines.
The batteries will provide propulsion power while the diesel-electric submarines are submerged, increasing their underwater endurance and reducing the time required for recharging.
Naval Group is building the four submarines to replace the Netherlands’ ageing Walrus-class boats. The vessels – Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda and Tijgerhaai – will be based on the shipbuilder’s conventionally powered Barracuda-family design.
Saft contracted to develop, manufacture and supply submarine batteries
Saft said the contract covered the development, manufacture and supply of complete lithium-ion battery systems, as well as associated engineering and support services. The financial value and delivery schedule were not disclosed.
The battery technology was developed through a long-standing collaboration between Saft and Naval Group. It is designed specifically for the safety, reliability and shock-resistance requirements of military submarines, where the consequences of battery failure can be particularly serious.
Because lithium-ion batteries can store more energy within a given volume than the lead-acid batteries conventionally used in diesel-electric submarines the subs can remain submerged for longer, operate more equipment and recharge more quickly.
Longer periods of battery-powered operation also improve stealth by reducing the frequency with which a submarine must surface or use a snorkel to run its diesel generators.
The Orka-class submarines are intended to operate over long distances and for extended periods away from their home port. Their missions will include intelligence gathering, surveillance, the protection of maritime interests and joint operations with allied navies.
Naval Group signed the delivery agreement for the four submarines with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence in September 2024. The first two vessels are expected to be delivered within ten years of that agreement.
The Royal Netherlands Navy also selected Naval Group’s battery-powered F21 heavyweight torpedo for the class in June. The F21 uses a seawater-activated silver oxide-aluminium battery developed by Saft.
Cedric Duclos, CEO of Saft, said: “This contract confirm that advanced battery technology is now a defining factor in submarine performance. Our Li-ion systems set a new standard in energy density, safety and reliability, positioning Saft at the heart of next-generation naval defense programs. This is also a clear step forward for European technological sovereignty.”
Pierre Éric Pommellet, chairman and CEO of Naval Group, said: “Integrating Saft’s Li-ion technology onboard the Barracuda and Scorpene submarine families is of great value, allowing us to enhance performance at sea.”
Saft, which is owned by TotalEnergies, has supplied batteries for naval vessels and underwater weapons for several decades.
Photo: Pierre Éric Pommellet, left, and Cedric Duclos
Credit: Saft
