The Defence and Security Department's Politics and Engineering Working Group analyses current political developments in the defence sector. It provides independent facts and interpretation from engineers' technological knowledge and experience.

On 3 April 2023, the government published the DMP-D letter for the project 'Replacement M-Frigates (ASWF)'

The Politics and Defence Engineering Working Group is impressed by the innovative nature, future-orientation and size of the ship. And also that this is prepared for new developments such as a high-energy laser system. After all, this places high demands on the energy supply.

That is why the working group suggested only a few questions to the House of Representatives about future orientation and growth potential of the new ships:

  1. To what extent will the ship be prepared for defence against ballistic missiles (missile defence) v.w.f. sensors, data processing and launcher?
  2. Unmanned or autonomous systems are expected to be developed or become available for deployment from ships in the future (UAV, USV, ground effect aircraft, ed.).
    To what extent are there modular expansion options for physical deployment and command and control?
  3. Excellent that diesel engines are chosen that will soon be suitable for renewable fuels. However, it is still uncertain which renewable energy sources will win the race: synthetic diesel, biodiesel, ammonia, hydrogen, micro-nuclear reactor or something else.
    Is the design modular enough that these engines can also be replaced by another source of electrical energy?

_____________________________
The Hague, 6 April 2023
More information on the Politics and Defence Engineering working group can be found via this link.
Do you have any questions? Then contact the working group at E: dv@kivi.nl
Would you like to receive the working group's comments and opinions by email? Sign up via this link.

Are you an engineer and would you like to contribute to our opinions to the House of Representatives? Get in touch via dv@kivi.nl
Disclaimer: The facts and opinions given are based on open sources and on the knowledge and experience of working group members.
This is not an official position of KIVI. The association accepts no liability for anything put forward by the working group or its members.

Illustration: Ministry of Defence