Belgium moves forward on MCM replacement
The Belgian government has approved the purchase of six new mine countermeasures (MCM) vessels under a €1.1 billion ($1.36 billion) investment.
The nation will work to replace the current fleet of five MCM vessels and one logistics and support vessel, the Godetia.
Belgium is also intending to acquire two new frigates to replace the M-Frigates it currently operates.
The 26 January order for the new MCM will be placed with the Dutch Navy. Belgium and the Netherlands will work together on both the capability renewal and the new frigates.
The two nations signed a letter of intent on the
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