Belgian-Dutch rMCM Initiative: Naval Group Unveils First Mine Countermeasure Vessel and Begins Construction on Third

On 29 March 2023, the inaugural vessel of the twelve mine countermeasure ships from the Belgian-Dutch rMCM initiative, the M940 Oostende, designated for the Belgian Navy, was launched in Concarneau. The ceremony was graced by Ludivine Dedonder, the Belgian Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren, the Dutch Minister of Defence, and Patricia Mirallès, the French Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory. Throughout this event, Naval Group also initiated the keel laying for the third of the twelve ships, the M941 Tournai, intended for the Belgian Navy.

This initiative was granted in 2019 to Belgium Naval & Robotics, a consortium established by Naval Group and Exail, following a global competition. It encompasses the provision of twelve mine countermeasures vessels and around a hundred drones integrated into a toolkit intended for the Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy.

The primary delivery is anticipated for late 2024 in Zeebrugge, Belgium, with subsequent deliveries staggered until 2030.

Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, remarked: “I am thrilled to be present today in Concarneau at our partner Piriou shipyard, alongside Exail, to commemorate the advancements in this unique initiative which embodies a shared vision for the future of mine warfare and European naval defence. Together, we are developing this revolutionary defence solution that will uphold Belgian and Dutch sovereignty and shape the future of naval mine countermeasures.”

Ludivine Dedonder, Belgian Minister of Defence, stated: “In a world rapidly evolving due to geopolitical changes, our collaboration is even more strategic. The operational concept devised by the Belgian and Dutch navies is groundbreaking and innovative in various aspects. This project, heralded by today’s launch of the first ship, exemplifies that cooperation, solidarity, and innovation are essential values for our joint security. With this renewal programme for our mine countermeasure capabilities, we can take pride in our contribution to defence innovation, addressing the security challenges we face together.”

A distinctive industrial and European alliance, Naval Group, acting as the principal contractor, oversees the design of the ships, overall integration, and the testing and commissioning of the mission framework (combat and mine countermeasures systems). Kership, a joint venture between Naval Group and Piriou, is responsible for the construction of the twelve vessels, which are built in Concarneau and Lanester. Exail Robotics, as a co-contractor, manages the unmanned drone systems. Most of these drones will be produced in Exail’s factory in Ostend, Belgium. The maintenance of the vessels will occur in Belgium through close collaboration between the Belgian Navy and Naval Group Belgium, with support from their partner, Flanders Ship Repair.

The rMCM initiative is also a significant component of European Defence. This programme illustrates how European nations can collaborate to identify their requirements and share a solution that is poised to become a benchmark in the mine countermeasures sector, not only for the Belgian and Dutch navies but also for other naval forces throughout Europe and globally.

Lieutenant commander (1LV) Renauld Hock, head of the binational programme, commented: “Today, we mark both the launch of the M940 Oostende, the first vessel of the City Class, and the keel laying of the M941 Tournai, the third vessel of the City Class and second Belgian unit. These events represent two significant milestones in our binational rMCM programme.”

Going forward, we will adopt an all-hands-on-deck approach; a new vessel will be launched roughly every six months, with the first Dutch ship scheduled for this autumn. Construction of platforms three and four has also commenced.

Additionally, this year we anticipate the setting-to-work of the first ship and the testing of the toolkit, which is vital for this new rMCM capability.

Belgium and the Netherlands firmly believe that the City Class is the most effective strategy in Naval Mine Warfare: a true system-of-unmanned-systems that will set a course for modern naval forces.

Belgium, a renowned industrial hub for Naval Group and Exail in mine countermeasure technologies.

As part of this strategic partnership, Naval Group and Exail are expanding their presence in Belgium through dedicated entities, Naval Group Belgium and Exail Belgium. The added value provided by the Belgian industry is maximized through the rMCM programme, spanning from design, development, and operational support phases, particularly through procurement and subcontracting with Belgian firms for critical ship components. For instance, Exail Belgium will develop, manufacture, assemble, and certify the toolkit within Belgium.

The involvement of the Belgian industry in the initiative also encompasses R&D projects conducted in Belgium, aiming to prepare the future landscape of mine countermeasure operations. On April 28th, 2022, Naval Group inaugurated both the MCM Lab and the Cyber Lab, two collaborative R&D facilities established within its subsidiary, Naval Group Belgium. The Labs unite Belgian institutional, industrial, and academic entities to craft future innovations in mine countermeasures and cybersecurity.

A robust vessel and an advanced toolbox.

These specialized mine countermeasures (MCM) vessels are the first to possess the capability to carry and deploy a combination of surface drones (each measuring 12 meters and weighing 18 tons), underwater drones, and aerial drones. The mine countermeasures vessels will utilize a primarily autonomous system for the detection, classification, and neutralization of mines. They can withstand underwater blasts and feature very low acoustic, electrical, and magnetic signatures, consistent with the operations they are designed to execute.

The solution obtained by the Belgian and Dutch navies signifies a complete shift in mine warfare strategies by adopting a remote position (stand-off) which minimizes risks for personnel and the mothership while significantly enhancing the speed at which mined areas can be covered.

These mine countermeasure vessels boast the following specifications:

• Length: 82.6 m
• Width: 17 m
• Displacement: 2800 t
• Maximum speed: 15.3 knots
• Range: >3500 nautical miles
• Crew: 63 personnel (base crew of 33 personnel)
• Combat System: Naval Group Polaris system
• Drone functionalities: Exail UMISOFT System, 2 unmanned surface vessels (Exail Inspector 125), 3 autonomous underwater vehicles (A-18 outfitted with Exail UMISAS 120 sonar), 2 towed sonars (T-18 equipped with Exail UMISAS 240 sonar), 2 Mine Identification & Disposal Systems (MIDS) (Exail Seascan and K-Ster C), 1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UMS Skeldar’s V200), 1 Exail influence mine sweeping system integrating 5 CTM magnetic modules and 1 PATRIA acoustic module.
• Embarkation capacity: 2 SOLAS rigid hull inflatable boats of 7m.
• Handling: 2 side launch & recovery systems for surface drones or commando boats, a 15t dedicated rear crane, and a 3t overhead crane.