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Multi-purpose Escort Vessel

The Belgian Minister of Defence, Mr. Andre Flahaut, has revised the traditional role and shape of the Belgian Navy as result of a consultative process. The plan is intended to enhance the navy's ability to project forces capable of operating across the full spectrum of maritime operations and to provide a framework for future decisions about capabilities, resources and funding. The peacetime utility of the navy is recognised by the Government with the capital programs for the new vessels being clear evidence.

The 1978-vintage Wielingen-class frigates are to be replaced by new multi-purpose escort vessels with an AsuW, ASW and AAW capability, and preferably equipped with an organic helicopter. Main preliminary specifications may include a speed of + 28 kn, a displacement of approx. 4000 - 6000 tons, surface-to-air missiles, guns to engage surface and air targets and a CIWS for short-range anti-missile defence.

The replacement of the Wielingen-class frigates is highly significant. The new ships will have to possess multi-dimensional warfare capabilities equivalent to a new generation multi-purpose frigate. They must be designed to operate either singly or as an integral part of a task group and have a weapons outfit, which is suitable for use during either in peacetime, times of tension or war. The vessels must also be capable to assist Dutch, French and German ships in the defence of carrier battle groups and amphibious task groups. The new multi-purpose escort vessels will be highly automated, capable of countering multiple threats simultaneously and equipped with ship borne helicopters.

In this respect the navy keeps an eye on the activities of its neighbouring navies that are already heading in that direction. Options being evaluated include the projects of France with its multi-role frigate project (Frégate d'Action Navale), the Netherlands with the Land Attack Corvettes (LAC) and the German Blöhm & Voss MEKO A100 and A200 versions.