The Royal Netherlands Navy has officially launched the new Alunaut vessel, which replaces the decades-old Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) 700.
The vessel completed around 500 hours of sea trials before joining the service.
The Dutch defense ministry has procured 20 units in total, with 12 allocated to the Royal Netherlands Navy, six to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee for maritime border control, and two to the Belgian Navy.
The vessels are produced by Estonian shipbuilder Alunaut OÜ. In addition to the boats, the Marechaussee will receive six new trailers for rapid overland transport.
The Royal Netherlands Navy will operate the Alunaut both independently and as a support craft, primarily for transporting personnel and equipment. The Marechaussee plans to deploy the vessels for boarding operations, inspections, and patrol duties.