In 2019, Belgium and the Netherlands picked Belgium Naval & Robotics (a Naval Group and ECA Group JV) as the supplier of their new mine hunters. Naval Group, through its subsidiary Kership, has chosen Saab as supplier of the TactiCall ICS.
The contract includes a state-of-the-art turnkey installation and the integration of internal and external communication systems. The TactiCall ICS is able to interconnect communication technologies regardless of radio band, frequency or equipment. Saab will also provide technical and logistical support throughout the product lifecycle.
“We have been pursuing fruitful cooperation since the launch of this project with Naval Group and Kership in 2018. The Belgian-Dutch minehunter program defines the future framework for the fight against marine mines and we are proud to be part of this long-term partnership,” said Ellen Molin, Senior Vice President and Director of Support and Services at Saab.
Saab will also develop cooperation and technology transfer for the benefit of the Belgian naval industry, in particular for the physical integration of naval communication systems as well as in the areas of services and support.
“I am convinced that this partnership will be very beneficial for the Belgian and Dutch naval forces mine hunter program. We are very satisfied with the realization of this program and look forward to starting this solid partnership with SAAB,” said Patrick de Leffe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kership.
To learn more about the future MCM vessels, read our focus at this link.
To learn more about the MCM toolboxes, read our Q&A at this link.
Video: Our recent interview with the Belgian Navy’s MCM Program Manager: