Dutch MoD press release – Translated by Naval News
The Belgian and Dutch navies work closely together, including on mine countermeasures, maintenance, education, and training. In 2018, both countries agreed to replace the 4 multipurpose frigates (M-Frigates / Karel Doorman-class) with four ASWF under Dutch leadership.
The amended contracts are currently still being signed by the suppliers involved, which is expected to be completed this month. The fact that costs are higher than initially estimated is partly due to cost increase as a result of COVID-19. In addition, the war in Ukraine, which sparked an additional budget for more modern systems and ammunition played a role in this.
Under Belgian leadership, both countries are also replacing mine countermeasures ships, which are being built by the French shipbuilder Naval Group. Each navy will acquire 6 MCM vessels.
In addition to the amendment to the MoU, the two defense ministers also signed a so-called ‘social return’ agreement. It states that the Netherlands will spend an amount of 355 million euros on the Belgian industry. This is due to the higher cost of the frigates and the major role played by the Dutch industry in their construction.
As a first use of this amount, the Netherlands has signed a contract for 111 million euros with the Belgian company FN Herstal for MAG machine guns for Ukraine. These are medium machine guns that can be used against ground and air targets.
The Dutch royal couple has been on a state visit to Belgium and was informed about maritime cooperation, among other things. This happened in the presence of Ollongren aboard Zr.Ms. De Ruyter and the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie in the port of Antwerp.
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Naval News comments:
The additional funding needed from each country is reportedly an extra 800 million Euros. According to Dutch naval defense media Marineschepen, the amended contract now includes an option for a third frigate for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). The first ship-in-class will be delivered in September 2029 to the RNLN. The Belgian Navy will get its first frigate in August 2030. All four ships will be fully operational with both navies by 2032. The vessels will be bult by Damen in Romania.
