Belgian Navy M940 Oostende to enhance mine countermeasure capabilities with delivery in October 2025.

According to information published by the Belgian Defense on July 15, 2025, the delivery of the first next-generation mine countermeasure vessel, the M940 Oostende, initially scheduled earlier this year, is now planned for late October 2025. Developed by the Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium under the Belgian Dutch program to replace the aging Tripartite-class minehunters, this vessel represents a key milestone in the modernization of the mine warfare capabilities of both navies. The M940 Oostende will be delivered with its dedicated MCM toolbox, comprising various unmanned systems designed for mine detection and neutralization.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Once in service, the M940 Oostende will be capable of performing traditional mine countermeasure missions at a level equivalent to the current Tripartite-class minehunters (Picture source: Naval Group)

The second vessel, intended for the Netherlands, is scheduled for delivery in December 2025, while the third is expected in September 2026. Subsequent deliveries will occur every six months, with the final delivery planned for December 2030. The slight delay from the initial schedule is mainly due to the complexity of the new Mine CounterMeasure Stand-off operational concept, which keeps the mothership outside the minefield while unmanned systems conduct detection and clearance operations. This technological shift also imposes strict cybersecurity requirements, which have extended development and integration phases. A minor incident during an integration test last May caused light damage to the M940 Oostende but had only a limited impact on the delivery schedule.

Once in service, the M940 Oostende will be capable of performing traditional mine countermeasure missions at a level equivalent to the current Tripartite-class minehunters. The program also includes continuous upgrades to onboard systems to adapt capabilities to evolving threats and operational requirements. Built entirely in France, these vessels reflect industrial and military cooperation between Belgium and the Netherlands in a strategic domain for maritime security. Their deployment will contribute to safeguarding commercial routes, critical infrastructures, and national interests both in European waters and during international operations.

The M940 Oostende is the first of twelve new mine countermeasure vessels in the City-class, designed for the Belgian and Dutch navies. Built by Belgium Naval & Robotics, this new-generation vessel integrates an operational concept based on autonomous drones for mine detection and neutralization. It is equipped with a hull-mounted sonar for underwater detection and advanced radars, including the Thales NS50 capable of tracking air and surface targets up to 180 km, and the Terma Scanter 6002 for close-range surveillance. Mine warfare capability is primarily ensured by the Inspector 125 surface drones, Seascan and A18-M underwater drones for mine identification, the K-STER for neutralization, and the Skeldar V-200 aerial drone for maintaining communication with the mothership.

In terms of armament, the M940 Oostende is fitted with a 40mm Bofors cannon supported by a Sea DeFNder remote weapon station armed with a .50 M2 Browning heavy machine gun and 7.62 mm MAG machine guns for close defense. The Sea Eagle FCEO optronic system provides precise target designation, complementing the radar sensors. This configuration allows the vessel to fulfill its primary mine warfare missions while also providing autonomous protection in threat environments, offering operational flexibility for naval missions in European waters and beyond.

The upcoming delivery of the M940 Oostende marks a significant step in the modernization of mine warfare assets, introducing a new operational approach and advanced technologies that position Belgium and the Netherlands with updated tools to address current underwater threats.