The Netherlands is trying to solve budgets cuts in order to replace submarines. The Dutch defence Minister started a new submarine procurement project in 2016. In December 2019, the minister informed parliament in a so-called B letter the choice she wanted to make.

On October 12, 2020, the Court of Audit published a report in which it examined the study phase of the ministry’s process to procure new submarines. The Court concluded that the budget reserved by the Ministers of Defence for replacement and operation is not sufficient. At least € 730 million will have to be added.