Belgium considers alternatives as joint frigate order faces delays

Belgium is looking at other suppliers for new frigates as delays and rising costs complicate a joint order with the Netherlands, ANP reports. Belgian defence chief General Frederik Vansina says his country must replace its two ageing frigates on time to maintain its operational capability. [1]

The two countries are negotiating over how to keep their joint programme for six anti-submarine warfare frigates with Dutch shipbuilder Damen. In an interview with ANP, Vansina said maintaining Belgium’s naval capability was the driving factor in finding a solution. He said he did not want to dictate the Netherlands’ choices, but Belgium could not be left without large naval vessels. [1]