Balancing act: Netherlands, Belgium set the template for M-frigate replacement

摘要

The joint Netherlands/Belgium programme to procure four new frigates to replace the two navies' existing M-frigates has achieved a major milestone with an accord reached on the general characteristics and capabilities of the new design. However, the drawn-out nature of the B-phase - the investigation/research phase of the Netherlands Defence Material Organisation's (DMO's) acquisition process - and the time needed to complete detailed design means that the first M-frigate replacement (Vervanging M-fregatten -vMFF) for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) will not now be delivered until 2027. The RNLN and the Belgian Naval Component each operate two M-frigates: HNLMS Van Amstel and HNLMS Van Speijk; and BNS Leopold I and BNS Louise-Marie respectively. All four vessels have benefited from a major Mid-Life Improvement Programme (IP-MF) intended to sustain their capability to end of life. The IP-MF introduced a new combat management system (CMS) based on the Guardion CMS software core developed by the DMO's in-house Joint Informatievoorziening Com-mando/Systemen, Applicaties, Trainers en Simulatoren (JIVC/ SATS) organisation; a new upper mast structure accommodating the Thales Nederland Seastar surface search radar and Gatekeeper panoramic electro-optical surveillance system; the Thales UK-supplied APX radar electronic support measures system; a replacement Imtech platform management system; and adaptations to enable the operation of the NH90 helicopter.