Belgium - Composante Maritime - Modernization
The Modernisation Plan 2000–2015 of The Belgian Armed Forces is based on a strategic reflection called VISION 2015, that was initiated in 1997. The operational characteristics of the new 2015 Force structure will be more readily available, flexible, modular, sustainable, deployable, effective and fully equipped and manned units. The naval component will be see the replacement of its frigates by multi-role escort ships, the upgrade of its mine hunters and the introduction of a strategic transport ship.
In July 2005, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a 1.2 billion euro ($1.44 billion) investment. One important piece of this program is the purchase of two Dutch built, M-type frigates (valued at 260 million euros $312 million). These replaced three Belgian frigates, one of which had already been sold to Bulgaria (note: Bulgaria took an option out on the other two, so it's very likely they'll purchase those, also). While this represents a reduction in the number of Belgian frigates, the two Dutch built frigates are more modern, larger, and more capable than the older Belgian ships. As the Belgian Navy operates under a joint Belgian-Netherlands command, sharing similar ships will enhance interoperability. The contract between the Dutch and Belgian Ministers of Defense was signed on 22 December 2005. The delivery of the first frigate was projected for 2007; the second was to follow in 2008.
The Plan for the Finalisation of the Transformation (endorsed by the Belgian government on 22 October 2009) confirmed the 2000-2015 modernisation plan nevertheless aiming for an acceleration of it. The Plan for the Finalisation of the Transformation maintains the focus on Security Operations as the most appropriate profile for Belgian Defence. The plan proposes new organisational structures in order to bring them in line with the available budgetary means and the estimated evolution of the military workforce. Moreover, Belgium wants to maintain rapidly deployable, fully manned and equipped units with sufficient autonomy, flexilibility and sustainability to participate in multinational operations.
Belgium and the Netherlands reached an agreement on 08 June 2018 to purchase sixteen navy ships (2 frigates and 6 minehunters) for more than four billion euros. Belgium is investing 2.2 billion euros for these eight vessels together. Minister of Defense Steven Vandeput signed the agreement together with his Dutch counterpart Ank Bijleveld, in the margins of the meeting of the 29 Defense Ministers of the NATO countries. According to Vandeput, the signing is "the real starting shot for the replacement of our ships". The six mine control vessels replace the five Belgian mine fighters and the Command and Logistics support ship Godetia. The first Belgian mine control vessel is expected in 2023. The commissioning of the first Belgian frigate is planned for 2027.
Each country takes the lead in one of the replacement projects: the Netherlands for the new frigates and Belgium for the 12 mine control vessels. Both ministers pointed out the good cooperation between the Netherlands and Belgium and the navies of both countries during the signing. These ships will be involved in national and international missions of NATO or the European Union.
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