Belgium, Netherlands to buy 16 warships jointly: report
Belgium and the Netherlands have agreed to buy 16 military ships jointly for an estimated cost of around €4 billion euros ($4.7 billion), reports said.
Dutch defence minister Ank Bijleveld and his Belgian counterpart Steven Vandeput, in Brussels for a NATO meeting, signed an MoU to begin the purchase procedure, the Belga news agency said, citing Vandeput.
The agreement calls for four frigates, which would built in the Netherlands, and 12 minehunters, with 16 ships to be split evenly between the two sides.
Bids have been requested from Dutch builder Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and the Dutch affiliate of French group Thales, the Dutch ANP news agency reported.
For Belgium, 'some candidates have already been chosen... The goal is to make a decision by the end of the year,' Laurence Mortier, a spokesman for the Belgian minister, told AFP.
The new ships should be delivered starting in 2023, the Belgian navy said.
The neighbouring countries' navies have collaborated for more than half a century and they cooperate closely in defence matters.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders]()
Metal Shark starts production on HSMUSVs as US shipyard targets further Caribbean orders
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.
-
![ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems]()
ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) will supply uncrewed naval systems and supporting command and control equipment to support counter-mine operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
-
![SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV]()
SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
