Belgium Delivers First Mine Countermeasure Vessel to Netherlands

Den Helder, Netherlands – On February 27, 2026, Belgium delivered the Vlissingen, the second mine countermeasure vessel of the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme, and the first for the Royal Netherlands Navy, to the Dutch Ministry of Defence in Den Helder. This marks a significant milestone in European defence cooperation, as it is the first time Belgium has built a naval vessel under contract for another country.

A Landmark Achievement in BeNeSam Cooperation

The delivery was attended by key figures including Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Materiel and IT Command; Navy Captain Ludo Portier, Head of Procurement Naval Systems; Navy Captain Kurt De Winter, Director of Operations Belgian Navy; Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, Naval Group surface ships Executive Vice President; and Steven Luys, CEO Exail Robotics Belgium. The event highlights the strength of the BeNeSam cooperation framework between Belgium and the Netherlands.

Innovative Mine Countermeasure Capabilities

The Vlissingen represents a “complete paradigm shift in mine countermeasures,” according to Exail – Defense & Security. The vessel’s technology allows the ship and crew to operate at a safe distance from potential mines, increasing the speed of mine clearance tenfold compared to conventional methods. This “stand-off” capability is a key feature of the rMCM programme.

Collaboration Between Belgium, Netherlands, Naval Group, and Exail

The rMCM programme was awarded in 2019 to BELGIUM NAVAL & ROBOTICS, a consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail. Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, Naval Group surface ships Executive Vice President, emphasized the importance of the strong relationship between the two nations and the benefits the Netherlands will gain from the innovative ship. Jérôme Bendell, Director of the Exail Maritime Business Line, highlighted Exail’s contribution to the programme and its commitment to supporting the Royal Netherlands Navy with advanced, unmanned capabilities.

Future of MCM Operations

The delivery of the Vlissingen is seen as a step towards strengthening NATO’s maritime security and European operational readiness. The vessel is expected to significantly enhance the naval power of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Source: Exail