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Belgian Minehunter M940 Oostende Conducts Successful Third Sea Trial.
The Belgian-Dutch mine countermeasures replacement program has reached a significant milestone with the successful third sea trial of the M940 Oostende on December 4, 2024. As the first of twelve minehunters designed to modernize the capabilities of the Belgian and Dutch navies, this state-of-the-art vessel was developed by the Belgium Naval Robotics consortium. Its latest sea trial follows a dry-docking period for hull maintenance and the installation of advanced equipment.
Each ship in this series is equipped to deploy USV Inspector 125 drones, which can carry T-18M towed sonars or A-18M autonomous underwater vehicles for mine detection (Picture source: Belgian Navy)
Departing from Concarneau on Monday, December 2, 2024, the vessel returned to port two days later, marking steady progress in its trial schedule. These tests, initiated in July, are critical to validate the numerous technological innovations integrated into this next-generation minehunter. Delivery to the Belgian Navy is scheduled for December 2024 at the naval base in Zeebrugge.
Officially launched on February 22, 2023, the M940 Oostende represents a significant advancement in maritime mine warfare. Its advanced design and cutting-edge technology include maritime and aerial drones. Each ship in this series is equipped to deploy USV Inspector 125 drones, which can carry T-18M towed sonars or A-18M autonomous underwater vehicles for mine detection. ROV SeaScan and K-Ster C are also available for mine identification and neutralization, along with Skeldar V-200 aerial drones for detection missions and communication relays. These systems, developed and manufactured by Exail at its new Ostende facility, exemplify the integration of innovative solutions into modern naval doctrines.
The €1.8 billion program, led by Belgium in partnership with the Netherlands, marks a pivotal moment in European military cooperation. Kership, a joint venture between Naval Group and Piriou, with assembly split between Concarneau, France, and Gdynia, Poland, manages ship construction.
The rMCM program is designed to replace the tripartite minehunters that have been in service since the 1980s, originally developed through a Franco-Belgian-Dutch collaboration. France is now exploring participation in the program by adapting the Belgian-Dutch platform for its own drone systems developed by Thales, with the first units expected soon for the French Navy.
In July, Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder commemorated the launch of the program's third vessel, the M941 Tournai, emphasizing the strategic importance of these ships for Belgium and its allies. This initiative underscores the importance of European defense collaboration and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in maritime security operations.
With the successful trials of the M940 Oostende, the Belgian Navy is moving closer to deploying these innovative vessels, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities to counter the persistent threat of naval mines. This ambitious program, combining industrial expertise and international cooperation, serves as a model for future naval defense collaborations.