UPDATED: Damen and Thales to deliver ASW frigates for Belgium and Netherlands
A rendering of Belgium and the Netherlands' future ASW frigates. (Photo: Damen/Thales)
Damen and Thales have signed contracts to design, build, and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Under the agreements, Amsterdam and Brussels will receive two ships apiece to replace existing Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigates.
Dutch Defence Minister Christophe van der Maat said: ‘The acquisition of the ASW frigates is taking place in the way I prefer: through intensive cooperation, between countries, armed forces, and industry.
‘In time, the result will be an innovative and powerful weapon system. This will benefit us as direct users, but also Europe and NATO.’
The new ASWF ships follow a trend of joint Belgian-Dutch naval procurement. The two countries have also joined forces to procure new mine warfare capabilities under
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
![Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market]()
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
