SaCo24: NATO Forces collaborate in mine-hunting operations to secure maritime routes.

According to information published by the Belgian MoD on September 9, 2024, the Sandy Coast 2024 (SaCo24) exercise brings together mine hunters from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Estonia in Belgian waters and the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The exercise's primary goal is to enhance the detection and neutralization of naval mines, a crucial challenge for ensuring the safety of maritime routes.
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Belgian Navy's Tripartite-class minehunter Lobelia and Archer-class patrol vessel HMS Exploit. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)

The Belgian Navy has developed a deep expertise in mine hunting, becoming a key player in NATO's mine countermeasure (MCM) operations. With a history dating back to the 20th century, Belgium has consistently demonstrated its ability to tackle the threat posed by sea mines, which are a significant challenge for global maritime security.

Belgium’s geographic position near the North Sea, a region with a high density of mines left over from both World Wars, has necessitated a focus on these operations, leading to the evolution of specialized techniques and equipment.

This proficiency is reflected in Belgium's contribution to standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups, where it frequently deploys mine-hunting vessels and contributes personnel to joint operations.

Mine hunting is a complex naval operation involving the detection, identification, and neutralization of sea mines, which are often small, difficult to locate, and capable of inflicting significant damage on ships. Belgian mine-hunting techniques have evolved to combine traditional methods with advanced technology.

Specialized vessels designed for this purpose use sonar and other detection systems to locate mines. Once a mine is identified, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or divers are deployed to either neutralize or safely destroy the threat. This approach minimizes risks to both the vessels and their crews while ensuring that crucial shipping lanes remain open and secure.

In terms of fleet composition, the Belgian Navy has traditionally relied on specialized minehunters that are designed with acoustic and electromagnetic stealth to minimize detection by the mines themselves.

One of the notable aspects of Belgium’s mine-hunting efforts is the long-standing collaboration with the Dutch Navy. Both navies have coordinated on numerous mine-hunting missions, sharing resources and expertise.

Belgium has played a significant role in the development of mine-hunting technology. Over the years, the country has been involved in numerous research and development initiatives aimed at improving MCM capabilities. These efforts have resulted in the adoption of new techniques and equipment that enhance the safety and effectiveness of mine-hunting missions.