We previously reported on the STAR plan and the new capabilities it is set to bring to the Belgian Navy.
« The need to increase the capacity of the CPVs has been recognized and included in the Defense Main Equipment Investment plan and is part of the maritime capability dimension of the STAR plan», the Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said on Tuesday in an answer to representatives Jasper Pillen and Peter Buysrogge.
The plan was detailed on March 15 to the House of Representatives’ Military Procurement Committee. The purchase of a third CPV is now « envisaged », the Minister said, adding that « the prospecting phase will be completed in the second quarter of 2023 ».
The procurement phase will be started once the prospection is completed. Thus, it is too early to confirm if the Belgian Ministry of Defense will turn again to the French shipyard SOCARENAM to meet its need.
Procured in 2013, the Belgian Navy CPVs main missions consist in surveillance and within the Belgium exclusive economic zone. Each 448-tons vessel has a crew of 15 and can embarks 20 more people depending on the mission. Self-protection is provided by a Sea deFNder 12.7 mm remote weapon station by FN Herstal. The vessels were designed by French naval architecture firm MAURIC and built by French shipyard SOCARENAM.
Besides an increase of the fleet, the STAR plan provides for the equipment of new EW sensors. Budgets by 2030 are planned to upgrade the current sensor suite.
