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
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.