UPDATED: Damen and Thales to deliver ASW frigates for Belgium and Netherlands
A rendering of Belgium and the Netherlands' future ASW frigates. (Photo: Damen/Thales)
Damen and Thales have signed contracts to design, build, and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Under the agreements, Amsterdam and Brussels will receive two ships apiece to replace existing Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigates.
Dutch Defence Minister Christophe van der Maat said: ‘The acquisition of the ASW frigates is taking place in the way I prefer: through intensive cooperation, between countries, armed forces, and industry.
‘In time, the result will be an innovative and powerful weapon system. This will benefit us as direct users, but also Europe and NATO.’
The new ASWF ships follow a trend of joint Belgian-Dutch naval procurement. The two countries have also joined forces to procure new mine warfare capabilities under
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Euronaval 2026: Baltic breakthrough powers Saildrone’s next European expansion]()
Euronaval 2026: Baltic breakthrough powers Saildrone’s next European expansion
Denmark’s doubled deployment, Mediterranean smuggling routes and Norwegian composite hulls show where uncrewed surveillance demand is heading, while British funding remains unclear.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
