De Haas Shipyards has secured a significant contract to construct 13 new vessels to replace the Fast Raiding Interception and Special Forces Craft (FRISC) utilized by the Netherlands Armed Forces. This new fleet is expected to feature advanced capabilities, offering enhanced weapons compatibility, state-of-the-art communication systems, and sophisticated sensors that surpass the technologies used in the existing FRISC vessels.
The upcoming boats are designed with stealth in mind, promising reduced detectability by enemy trackers. Additionally, they will incorporate modern hull designs and ergonomic seating to minimize physical strain on personnel operating in demanding conditions. Once operational, these vessels are set to be distributed among the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces and the Royal Netherlands Army, with an expected operational lifespan of at least a decade.
These new platforms will play a critical role in high-intensity missions, including boarding operations and various special operations that operate within the most challenging and violent contexts. De Haas Shipyards will oversee the development of these vessels over a three-and-a-half-year period at their facility located in Rotterdam.
The initiative to replace the FRISC fleet was initially announced by the Dutch Ministry of Defence in 2021, driven by the need for upgraded technology before the current systems are scheduled for retirement in 2024. Currently, 52 FRISC boats are in operation, primarily supporting amphibious and patrol missions.
The existing FRISC units, which are operated by a driver and a navigator, can carry up to eight passengers and are versatile enough to be outfitted with a variety of weapons, including heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and advanced camera systems paired with marine communications technology. These vessels range in length from 9.5 to 12 meters (31 to 39 feet) and can weigh as much as 8 tons (17,637 pounds), depending on their specific mission profiles.
They are equipped with powerful engines producing between 370 to 435 horsepower, enabling them to achieve impressive speeds of up to 45 knots (83 kilometers or 52 miles per hour) and a cruising range of 500 kilometers (311 miles). The addition of the new vessels is poised to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Dutch military in various maritime environments.
