Greece faces reduced buy of ex-Dutch mine countermeasure vessels after Ukraine donations
HNLMS Schiedam is one of the five remaining Alkmaar-class MCMVs in Dutch service. It is not clear which two will be donated to Ukraine, but three could end up in Greek service. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
The Hellenic defence procurement agency GDDIA has reconfirmed its interest in procuring mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) from the Netherlands despite only three now being available.
Under a Letter of Intent (LoI) signed between the GDDIA and the Netherlands Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) in October 2021, Greece signified its interest in procuring two modernised Karel Doorman (M) class frigates and six Alkmaar-class (Tripartite) MCMVs from the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN).
A spokesperson from the Netherlands MoD told Shephard that one of the RNLN’s Alkmaar-class MCMVs, HNLMS Urk (M861), has already been decommissioned leaving five ships in service.
These include: Makkum (M857), Schiedam (M860), Zierikzee (M862), Vlaardingen (M863), and Willemstaad (M864).
However, negotiations about a sale between the two countries conducted through a bi-national
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
-
![All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids]()
All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids
Responses are due by 29 October as the Royal Navy tests the market, with BAE Systems’ Herne and MSubs’ Excalibur setting up a contest where payloads may decide the winner.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
-
![From Poland to the Pacific: can Miecznik become a blueprint for other navies?]()
From Poland to the Pacific: can Miecznik become a blueprint for other navies?
Babcock is taking its Polish industrial partnership approach to Denmark and New Zealand as navies seek sovereign shipbuilding skills alongside ships.
