FN Herstal to arm new Belgian and Dutch MCM vessels
Twelve new ships to be equipped with Sea deFNder RWS
Naval Group and Kership (a JV between Naval Group and Piriou) have selected FN Herstal as a strategic supplier for the joint Belgian-Dutch MCM programme.
In addition, Anglo Belgian Corporation is to provide engines and generator sets for the new ships.
FN Herstal will provide its Sea deFNder .50 calibre RWS with 12.7mm FN M2HB-QCB machine guns.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that additional armament on the new MCM vessels includes a 40mm main gun (the BAE Systems Bofors 40Mk4).
A total of 12 new MCM vessels are being built by Kership for Naval Group, to replace the ageing Tripartite-class ships which are due to retire from service in 2023.
The programme is a joint Dutch-Belgian procurement. It was awarded to Belgium Naval Robotics (BNR), a French led consortium comprising Naval Group and ECA Group.
Six vessels each will go to the Belgian and Dutch navies, with the first expected to be delivered in 2024.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Tripartite Class Replacement Programme [Netherlands]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
