First Belgian-Dutch rMCM vessel launched
The first of 12 Belgian-Dutch rMCM vessels, Oostende. (Photo: Naval Group)
On 29 March, Naval Group launched the first of 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), M940 Oostende, under the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme.
Destined for the Belgian Navy, the first ship is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024 in Zeebrugge, and the remaining vessels will be staggered until 2030.
The timeline will see a new ship launched every six months.
On the same day, Naval Group also laid the keel for the third of 12 vessels, M941 Tournai.
Related Articles
Keel laid for first Belgian-Dutch rMCM minehunter
rMCM launch and recovery system undergoes tests
Naval Group eyes Gowind opportunities and hopes to close Romania deal
Belgium Naval & Robotics, a venture established by Naval Group and Exail, was awarded the rMCM programme in 2019.
Work under the programme includes the supply of 12 ships and a hundred uncrewed systems as part of an integrated toolbox that will equip the vessels.
As prime contractor, Naval Group is responsible for design of the ships, integration and testing and commissioning of the mission system.
Kership, a joint venture of Naval Group and Piriou, is building the 12 ships in Concarneau and Lanester.
Exail, as co-contractor, is charged with the uncrewed systems, assembling the majority in Ostend, Belgium.
France has also decided to build new mine warfare vessels based on the rMCM design.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Tripartite Class Replacement Programme [Netherlands]
Tripartite Class Replacement Programme (1-6) [Belgium]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations]()
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
![SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system]()
SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system
MARSOC is procuring the Shark Marine Dive Tablet 2 to address a longstanding combat diver navigation capability gap, improving underwater positioning, situational awareness and integration with existing diver propulsion vehicles.
-
![SOF Week 2026: NSW expands commercial UxS push to maritime platforms as USASOC advances FPV drone effort]()
SOF Week 2026: NSW expands commercial UxS push to maritime platforms as USASOC advances FPV drone effort
The US Army Special Operations Command and Naval Special Warfare are accelerating efforts to integrate commercial uncrewed systems, with NSW broadening its solicitation to include USVs and UUVs alongside new requirements for ISR, kinetic operations and swarm technologies.
