Brussels, Belgium — In a significant move to enhance maritime security and strengthen naval cooperation, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands have taken a major step forward with the signing of a sub-license agreement granting France equal rights over the design of a new vessel platform under the replacement Mine Countermeasure (rMCM) program.
The agreement, announced recently, marks a pivotal moment in the trilateral collaboration aimed at modernizing mine countermeasure capabilities across the three nations.
The sub-license, which was signed at the Royal Military Academy (ERM) in Belgium, provides France with shared control over the design and development of the new vessel, being constructed by the French defense contractor Naval Group.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to replace the aging Tripartite-class vessels, which have been in service for over 40 years, with more advanced and interoperable platforms.
This latest development builds on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the three nations in July 2023. The MoU set the groundwork for a comprehensive partnership to enhance mine countermeasure ships and systems.
A key objective outlined in the MoU was to foster synergies between the navies of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, ensuring seamless interoperability and improved efficiency in tackling maritime threats.
Central to this collaboration is the alignment of the rMCM system with France’s Future Anti-Mine Warfare System (SLAMF). The integrated approach aims to deliver cutting-edge mine countermeasure capabilities capable of addressing both existing and emerging threats to maritime security.
The creation of a steering committee, which convened for the first time on February 20, 2025, at ERM, underscores the commitment to a structured and strategic oversight of the program’s progress.
General Frédéric Dupuis, Director General Material Resources (DGMR) and a Belgian aviation brigade general, emphasized the importance of the agreement.
“This signature marks the beginning of an ambitious, future-oriented cooperation,” he stated, highlighting the unified approach of the three nations.
“By working together, we ensure that our navies remain at the forefront of mine countermeasure capabilities, ready to protect our maritime interests and those of our allies,” General Dupuis added.
The agreement comes at a time of heightened focus on maritime security, particularly in European waters, where the threat of naval mines poses significant risks to commercial and military shipping lanes.
By pooling resources and expertise, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands aim to create a force multiplier effect, enhancing their collective ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats effectively.
Naval Group, responsible for the development of the new vessel platform, has welcomed the expanded partnership, noting that the inclusion of France under equal terms will expedite the innovation process and ensure that the vessels meet the operational requirements of all three navies.
The vessels are expected to feature advanced sonar systems, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and enhanced command and control capabilities to provide a comprehensive solution to mine countermeasures.
The shared commitment of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands to maintaining secure and open sea lanes underscores the strategic importance of this partnership.
As the program progresses, the three nations are expected to conduct joint training exercises and trials to ensure the seamless integration of the new systems into their naval operations.
With this agreement, the path is now clear for the three countries to move forward in their quest to modernize their fleets and enhance their readiness to face evolving maritime threats.
