Image source: topwar.ru
In June 2023, the Netherlands and Belgium signed the anti-submarine frigate Program (ASWF), under which the Damen shipbuilding company is to build 4 "new generation" ships (two for each country) for a total amount of about €2.5 billion to replace the Karel Doorman type frigates.
However, this project faces significant difficulties caused by critical errors at the initial design stage. In December last year, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken expressed concern about the delays in the construction of the frigates, pointing out that they were due to "excessive complexity of the design." In a report published this week, the Dutch defense ministry highlighted these difficulties in more detail.:
As a result, it was announced that the Dutch Navy would receive the first ASWF frigate not in 2029, as originally planned, but in 2033. In addition, the cost of the ships has increased significantly: according to the newspaper De Morgen, the unit price has increased from €600 million to €1 billion, and it is likely to increase by at least another €250 million.
We are also worried about the situation in the Belgian command, which will not receive the ASWF until at least 2034. The head of the Navy, Admiral Tangi Botman, said that "the bells are already ringing on this critical issue," because "for the first time in its history, the navy is in danger of being left without frigates.":
He explained that it was impossible to extend the service life of two M-type frigates. Built 45 years ago, they have outdated weapons, and maintaining them in working order is becoming an increasingly difficult task due to a shortage of spare parts.
Image source: topwar.ru
A source told the Belgian newspaper:
Negotiations are currently underway between the Belgian and Dutch authorities to find an "emergency solution.":
