FN Herstal to arm new Belgian and Dutch MCM vessels
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
-
DSEI 2025: Skana’s new autonomous maritime platforms signal company’s shift towards scalable assets
The Israeli defence technology company has taken the wraps off two autonomous vessels ahead of DSEI as it sets its sights on scalability and cost reduction.
-
Which countries could the US rely on to progress with its shipbuilding programmes?
The US Navy and US Coast Guard (USCG) are in critical need of support to build icebreakers, surface vessels and submarines.
-
Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has a crunch time coming up as it looks to refresh its fleet before 2040, and prepares to begin operating Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, although it is at the back of a long ordering queue. A key part of any solution is looking at what neighbouring Australia is buying.
-
US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels
Agreements with Inventech Marine Solutions and North River Boats cover the acquisition of trailerable aids to navigation boats and cutter boats - aids to navigation – small.
-
BAE Systems selected for multi-billion-dollar Norway ship order
BAE Systems is leading the construction of eight Type 26 City-class anti-submarine frigates for the UK Royal Navy (RN) with the first of these expected to enter service in 2027. Norway’s selection of the type makes it the fourth to make the choice alongside Australia, Canada and the UK.