Belgium plans major naval upgrades to meet NATO targets by 2029.

According to information published by De Tijd on July 31, 2024, Belgium's N-VA party, led by defense negotiator Theo Francken, has outlined a plan to significantly enhance the country's naval capabilities as part of a broader effort to meet NATO defense spending targets by 2029. The proposal includes the acquisition of a third frigate.
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Belgian Karel Doorman class frigate Louise Marie. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)

The plan, outlined in Francken's defense note, aims to raise defense spending to 2% of the country's GDP, a substantial jump from the current 1.3%. This proposal includes selling government stakes in major companies like Proximus and attracting private investors to fund the defense enhancements.

Belgian Navy

The Belgian Navy has several future programs aimed at enhancing its naval capabilities. One of the key initiatives is the replacement of its aging fleet of Karel Doorman-class frigates with new Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF).

Belgium and the Netherlands have signed an agreement to procure four ASWFs, two for each navy. These frigates will feature advanced technology for information warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and robust self-defense against surface threats. The first of these frigates is expected to be delivered to the Belgian Navy by 2030.

In addition to the frigate replacement program, Belgium is also focusing on mine countermeasures. The Belgian-Dutch rMCM (replacement Mine Countermeasures) program, launched in 2019, involves the construction of twelve new mine countermeasure vessels, with six allocated to each navy.

These vessels will be equipped with a variety of unmanned systems for detecting and neutralizing mines, significantly enhancing the navy's mine warfare capabilities. The first vessel, the Oostende, has already begun sea trials, with full operational capability expected by 2030.​