Working with Damen gives Alion the name recognition of a global warship manufacturer that it might be missing otherwise, and the LCF is a well-proven design, with four currently in service with the
RNLN. It also helps that Alion and Damen have collaborated in the past, but Samuelsen stresses that the decision to license the LCF came about as a result of careful consideration.
One possibility mentioned is the transformation of the
RNLN MARPAT Group into a Dutch-German MARPAT Group, with RNLNAS Valkenburg playing a key part.
Godderij reported that the RNLN is also involved in "Active Endeavour," a NATO operation in the Mediterranean that involves the rotation of forces from various alliance members.
There is also an increased RNLN presence in the Caribbean for counter-drug enforcement.
The upgrade -- dubbed the RNLN P-3C Capabilities Upkeep Program (CUP) -- will intregrate sensors, communications and other mission systems aboard ten Dutch Orions.
Work on the RNLN P-3C CUP is already underway, with the upgrade of the ten aircraft expected to be completed by March 2006.