Multifunctional Support Ship

{{short description|Ship design project of the Royal Netherlands Navy}}

{{Infobox ship  |infobox_caption=  |display_title=

|section1={{Infobox ship/image |image=Multifunctional Support Ships artist impression.png |image_size= |image_caption=Impression of the MSS concept |image_alt= }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/class_overview |name=Multifunctional Support Ship (MSS) |builders=Damen Group<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/09/netherlands-firms-up-plans-for-multifunction-support-vessels/ |title= Netherlands firms up plans for multifunction support vessels |author= Richard Scott |date=27 September 2024|website= Naval News |publisher= |language= }}</ref> |operators={{Navy|Netherlands}} |class_before= |class_after= |subclasses= |cost=€250 million to €1 billion (for 2 units)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.twz.com/sea/new-dutch-navy-support-vessels-will-be-missile-toting-wingmen-to-frigates |title= New Dutch Navy Support Vessels Will Be Missile-Toting Wingmen To Frigates |author= Thomas Newdick |date=25 September 2024|website= The War Zone |publisher= |language= }}</ref> |built_range= |in_service_range= |in_commission_range=2026 onwards (planned)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2024/dutch-navy-to-improve-defense-capabilities-with-new-high-tech-support-vessels |title= Dutch Navy to improve defense capabilities with new high-tech support vessels. |author=  |date=27 September 2024|website= Army Recognition |publisher= |language= }}</ref> |total_ships_planned=2<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://swzmaritime.nl/news/2024/09/25/dutch-navy-gets-two-new-damen-built-support-vessels/ |title= Dutch navy gets two new Damen-built support vessels|author= Mariska Buitendijk|date=25 September 2024|website= SWZ|Maritime}}</ref> |total_ships_on_order= |total_ships_building= |total_ships_completed= |total_ships_cancelled= |total_ships_active= |total_ships_laid_up= |total_ships_lost= |total_ships_retired= |total_ships_scrapped= |total_ships_preserved= }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics |hide_header= |header_caption=<ref name=MSS_1/> |type=Missile Carrier / Signals intelligence gathering vessel |displacement= |length={{cvt|53.20|m|ft}} |beam={{cvt|9.80|m|ft}} |height= |draught={{cvt|3.50|m|ft}} |depth= |ramps= |ice_class= |power= |propulsion= |speed={{convert|27|kn|lk=in}} |range= |endurance= |boats=1 × rigid-hull inflatable boats |capacity= |troops= |complement=8 (accommodation for up to 14)<ref>{{cite web |author=Arthur van Beveren |date=11 February 2025 |title=Veelzijdig ondersteuningsvaartuig |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2025/01/06_nieuw-ondersteuningsvaartuig-met-luchtdoelraketten-en-eov-capaciteit |website=Alle Hens |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}</ref> |time_to_activate= |sensors= |EW=Containerized ECM/ESM |armament=* Fixed armament ** 1 × remote weapon system ** 2 × .50 caliber heavy machine guns * Modular armament ** 4 × containerized 6-cell Barak-ER systems ** IAI Harop loitering munition |armour= |armor= |aircraft= |aircraft_facilities= |notes=Measurements based on the FSC 5009.<ref name=FCS_1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.damen.com/vessels/offshore/fast-crew-suppliers/fast-crew-supplier-5009 |title=Fast Crew Supplier 5009 |publisher=Damen.com |access-date=25 September 2024 |language=nl}}</ref> }} }}

The '''Multifunctional Support Ship (MSS)''', also known as the '''MSS''' (formerly '''TRIFIC''' & '''MICAN''') is a project of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN, Dutch: Koninklijke Marine).<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=10 February 2025 |title=In focus: the Netherlands’ Multifunction Support Ship concept |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-netherlands-multifunction-support-ship-concept/ |website=Navy Lookout}}</ref> it was announced on 23 November 2022 by Captain (E) Paul Flos, head of maritime systems at COMMIT. On 24 September 2024 an announcement was made by State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman that two ships will be procured from the Damen Group.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/09/24/nieuwe-vaartuigen-met-wapens-en-apparatuur-bieden-betere-bescherming |title= Nieuwe vaartuigen met wapens en apparatuur bieden betere bescherming |author=  |date=24 September 2024|website= Defensie.nl |publisher= |language=Dutch }}</ref> Both ships should be in service by 2027.<ref name=MSS_1/><ref name=MSS_2/>

== History == On 23 November 2022 it was revealed that the Dutch navy was investigating the possibility of purchasing four commercially available offshore supply type vessels and use these as missile carriers.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} This program, when first announced, was known as The Rapidly Increased Firepower Capability (TRIFIC) and involved ships that would operate with a very small crew.<ref name=TRIFIC_1>{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/TRIFIC-nieuw-plan-voor-zwaarbewapende-laagbemande-schepen-231122.html|title=Marine wil op korte termijn grote zwaarbewapende schepen met enkele bemanningsleden|publisher=Marineschepen.nl|access-date=23 November 2022|language=nl}}</ref><ref name=TRIFIC_2>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/cne-2023/2023/06/rnln-trific-low-manned-platform-to-augment-frigate/ |title= RNLN looks at low-manned platform to augment frigate fire power |author= Richard Scott |date=16 June 2023|website= Naval News |publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> The ''TRIFIC''-vessels can carry up to six container units with eight or more vertical launch cells (depending on missile size) in each container. One or more of these ships would accompany another vessel like a frigate or an OPV and use the guiding systems and radars of these ships to attack targets.<ref name=TRIFIC_1>{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/TRIFIC-nieuw-plan-voor-zwaarbewapende-laagbemande-schepen-231122.html|title=Marine wil op korte termijn grote zwaarbewapende schepen met enkele bemanningsleden|publisher=Marineschepen.nl|access-date=23 November 2022|language=nl}}</ref>

In December 2023 the revised ''TRIFIC'' concept was announced as ''MICAN''. It was also revealed that instead of four ships, two were initially planned.<ref name=MICAN_1/>

On 24 September 2024 State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman gave an update on the MICAN-program, which was now named the ''Multifunctional Support Ship (MSS)''. He also announced the procurement for two ships.<ref name=MSS_1>{{Cite web|url=https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/47110aa5-b072-4bf4-90f3-fb552b139479/file |title=A/B-brief project 'Multifunctionele ondersteuningsvaartuigen' |publisher=Rijksoverheid |author=Gijs Tuinman |access-date=25 September 2024 |language=nl}}</ref><ref name=MSS_2>{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Bestelling-twee-vaartuigen-met-raketten-stap-dichterbij-240924.html |title=Damen gaat nieuwe ondersteuningsvaartuigen bouwen, raketten uit Israël |publisher=Marineschepen.nl |access-date=25 September 2024 |language=nl}}</ref>

== Concept evolution == === TRIFIC concept === '''The Rapidly Increased Firepower Capability Royal Netherlands Navy (TRIFIC)''' ships were envisioned to stay close (around {{convert|5|nmi|km|abbr=on}}) to a mother ship and give extra missile capability. The ship would rely on the radars, missile guidance and defence from an external source like the Future Air Defender, {{sclass|De Zeven Provinciën|frigate|4}}, {{sclass|Holland|offshore patrol vessel|4}} or the ASW frigate acting as mother ship.<ref name=TRIFIC_1/>

==== Stage 1 ==== The first stage of the ''TRIFIC''-program was to develop a ship with a low crew. The ship would be around {{convert|60|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|70|m|abbr=on}} and based on a commercially available offshore supply vessel. Crew was required on these ships to keep a man-in-the-loop to actually fire the missiles.<ref name=TRIFIC_1/>

==== Stage 2 ==== In stage two it was planned for the ships to sail themselves, with a minimal crew to keep a man-in-the-loop.<ref name=TRIFIC_1/>

==== Stage 3 ==== In stage three the ships would be fully autonomous accompanying the mother ships.<ref name=TRIFIC_1/>

==== Armament ==== ===== Missiles ===== DMO has spoken to several countries, including Israel, America and France to supply an array of missiles in the short term. The type of missiles is not limited to Surface-to-air or cruise missiles. Also the possibility to equip the ships with loitering munition is being investigated.<ref name=TRIFIC_1/>{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}

===== Countermeasure ===== Being very modular by design it, is also possible to load units with a soft kill capability, for example electronic warfare units.<ref name=TRIFIC_1/>{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}

=== MICAN concept === The '''Modular Integrated Capability for ACDF and North Sea (MICAN)''' concept was announced in December 2023 as a revised plan from the original '''TRIFIC''' concept. The plan still involves buying COTS offshore supply vessels, but instead of four, two ships are planned. Also the mission of the concept has changed, from solely being used as a missile carrier, to being able to carry sensors and systems to investigate (potential) threats on the North Sea.<ref name=MICAN_1>{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Marine-wil-twee-nieuwe-schepen-inzetten-voor-beter-beeld-dreiging-Noordzee-081223.html|title=Twee nieuwe marineschepen voor meer slagkracht en beter beeld dreiging op Noordzee|publisher=Marineschepen.nl|access-date=21 June 2024|language=nl}}</ref><ref name=MICAN_2>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjX5_KprcEM|title=Dutch Naval programs: Renewing the entire Royal Netherlands Navy Fleet|publisher=Naval News|access-date=21 June 2024|language=en}}</ref><ref name=MICAN_3>{{Cite web|url=https://pointer.kro-ncrv.nl/marine-zet-twee-nieuwe-schepen-in-om-russische-spionage-in-de-gaten-te-houden|title=Marine zet twee nieuwe schepen in om Russische spionage in de gaten te houden|publisher=Pointer|access-date=21 June 2024|language=nl}}</ref> This task was added in response to a Russian spy ship, the Admiral Vladimirsky, that was seen in the Dutch EEZ on multiple occasions.<ref name=spyship_1>{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Russisch-spionage-schip-Belgische-en-Nederlandse-kust-230223.html|title=Dit is het Russische spionageschip dat in november voor de Nederlandse en Belgische kust voer|publisher=Marineschepen.nl|access-date=21 June 2024|language=nl}}</ref><ref name=spyship_2>{{Cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Russisch-spionageschip-Vladimirsky-weer-op-pad-in-Nederlandse-EEZ-030723.html|title=Russisch spionageschip bijna week in Nederlandse zone Noordzee|publisher=Marineschepen.nl|access-date=21 June 2024|language=nl}}</ref> The new mission is to monitor such vessels and see what they are up to below the surface.<ref name=MICAN_1/><ref name=MICAN_4>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/artikel/5425137/marine-wil-nieuwe-schepen-om-russische-spionage-noordzee-op-te-sporen|title=Marine wil nieuwe schepen tegen Russische spionage op Noordzee|publisher=RTL Nieuws|access-date=21 June 2024|language=nl}}</ref>

==== Payload ==== Payloads that are being considered are:<ref name=MICAN_2/> * Containerized VLS with SAM * Containerized SSM * Loitering munition * Containerized ECM/ESM

=== Multifunctional Support Ships === On 24 September 2024 State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman gave an update on the '''MICAN'''-program, which was now named the '''Multifunctional Support Ship (MSS)'''. He also announced the procurement for the first two ships.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/09/25/dutch-navy-to-buy-armed-sidekick-ships-for-its-air-defense-frigates/ |title= Dutch Navy to buy armed sidekick ships for its air-defense frigates |author= Rudy Ruitenberg |date=25 September 2024|website= Defense News |publisher= |language= }}</ref> With insiders telling Marineschepen.nl that more ships are being considered if the program is a success.<ref name=MSS_1/><ref name=MSS_2/> The two ships will be a militarized version of a fast crew supplier from Damen, most likely the Fast Crew Supplier 5009 (FCS 5009).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2024/09/nieuw-ondersteuningsvaartuig-met-luchtdoelraketten-en-eov-capaciteit|title= Nieuw ondersteuningsvaartuig met luchtdoelraketten en EOV-capaciteit |author= Arthur van Beveren |date=19 November 2024|website= Materieelgezien |publisher= Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}</ref> Besides being a missile carrier for a mother ship, the ships themselves can also be used to patrol the North Sea.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Ronald van Vuuren|date=2025 |title=Vernieuwing van de vloot |url=https://www.kvmo.nl/images/Marineblad/2025/3-2025/Marineblad%20nr.%203%20jrg.%20135%20mei%202025%20PP-comp.pdf |magazine=KVMO |location=The Hague |volume=135 |issue=3 |language=Dutch |page=9}}</ref>

==== Payload ==== Weapon Payloads that are selected so far are:<ref name=MSS_1/> * Containerized Barak-ER SAM * Containerized IAI Harop loitering munition * Containerized ECM/ESM

== List of ships == {| class="sortable wikitable" border="1" ! scope="col" | Pennant no. ! scope="col" | Name ! scope="col" | Builder ! scope="col" | Laid down ! scope="col" | Launched ! scope="col" | Commissioned ! scope="col" | Status ! scope="col" | Notes |- ! scope="row" | TBA | TBA | rowspan=2 align=left | Damen Group | - | - | 2026 <small>(planned)</small> | Announced | <ref name=MSS_1/><ref name=MSS_2/> |- ! scope="row" | TBA | TBA | - | - | 2027 <small>(planned)</small> | Announced | <ref name=MSS_1/><ref name=MSS_2/> |}

== Citations == {{Reflist}}

Category:Proposed ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy Category:Missile defense Category:Missile launchers Category:Missile operation Category:Guided missiles Category:Missiles Category:Rockets and missiles Category:Naval weapons