From 14 to 16 July the traditional public days of the Royal Netherlands Navy were held. More than 200,000 visitors crowded the naval base at Den Helder, home port of the Netherlands Navy. For three days the visitors could take a look on board naval surface ships and submarines. This year's event focussed on 100 years Submarine Service, and to emphasize this, a German and Norwegian submarine were present. In addition to the large variety of naval vessels, the visitors could watch various demonstrations with several ships and helicopters. The programme included a spectacular search and rescue demonstration.

As usual Thales Nederland was present on this event. In a booth on board the ultramodern Air Defence Frigate "Hr.Ms. De Zeven Provinciën" the visitors were given information on Thales sensor systems, on the defence against Tactical Ballistic Missiles and on Thales' interpretation of the future naval vessel. Especially the spectacular Goalkeeper film and model captured the visitors' attention.