UK, Netherlands Launch £2.4 Billion Amphibious Ship Partnership to Strengthen NATO

The UK and the Netherlands have agreed to jointly develop a new class of amphibious transport ships in a £2.4 billion program that will see the vessels built in British shipyards using a Dutch design, deepening defense cooperation between the two NATO allies.

The agreement, signed Tuesday by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during a NATO leaders’ meeting in Ankara, outlines plans for each country to operate four next-generation amphibious transport ships.

The 160-meter, 15,000-ton vessels will be designed to carry troops, vehicles and equipment while supporting current and future generations of drones and autonomous