Damen Marine Components to equip Dutch and Belgian Anti-Submarine Frigates with shock-proof rudders.

On June 13, 2025, Damen Marine Components (DMC) announced it had been contracted to design, engineer, and deliver eight shock-proof rudders for the four new Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF) being built by Damen Naval for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy, with each vessel to be equipped with two rudders optimized for hydrodynamic efficiency and silent operation. According to the official press release from DMC, eight shock-resistant rudders will be engineered to enhance the vessels' hydrodynamic performance while withstanding operational shocks in high-risk environments. These frigates mark a new milestone in European naval modernization, as reported by Damen Marine Components. Their construction underscores a renewed strategic emphasis on silent, resilient platforms in response to submarine threats in European waters.
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On the technical side, DMC’s Atlantic rudders contribute to the frigates’ acoustic discretion, a vital feature for anti-submarine operations in contested maritime zones such as the North Sea and the Baltic (Picture source: Damen Marine Components)

Damen Marine Components has been entrusted with the design, engineering, and production of eight Atlantic-type rudders, tailored to meet stringent naval requirements for shock resistance and hydrodynamic efficiency. Each of the four ASWFs under construction by Damen Naval will be fitted with two of these rudders. The vessels will ultimately replace the ageing M-frigate class from 2029, bolstering the anti-submarine capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy. This rudder contract reflects DMC’s broader commitment to supplying advanced naval components developed in close cooperation with domestic and European defense stakeholders. Built between Damen’s shipyards in Romania and the Netherlands, the ASWFs are conceived in synergy with both navies, the Ministries of Defence, and a robust network of industrial partners.

The strategic implication of these rudder systems is twofold: technical and geopolitical. On the technical side, DMC’s Atlantic rudders contribute to the frigates’ acoustic discretion, a vital feature for anti-submarine operations in contested maritime zones such as the North Sea and the Baltic. Their reinforced shock-proof structure is critical in ensuring survivability during mine or torpedo incidents, aligning with NATO's increased focus on survivable and versatile naval platforms. Geopolitically, the program reflects the deepening Dutch-Belgian naval cooperation and the broader European drive toward defense industrial consolidation and regional maritime readiness. The decision to commission DMC and other national suppliers positions the Netherlands as a central node in NATO's naval supply chain, while reaffirming Belgium’s strategic alignment with its northern ally.

With this new contract, Damen Marine Components consolidates its role as a trusted supplier for NATO-grade naval projects and reaffirms the relevance of high-performance mechanical systems in next-generation warship design. By delivering silent, shock-resistant rudders tailored to the needs of modern anti-submarine missions, DMC not only supports the operational goals of the Belgian and Dutch navies but also sets a benchmark for future naval procurement in Europe and beyond.