France joins Belgian-Dutch mine countermeasures vessel program

France has joined the Belgium-led replacement Mine Countermeasures (rMCM) program that was originally established to introduce a new class of mine countermeasures (MCM) vessels into service with the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Navies.

Representatives of the three countries' governments recently signed the formal letter granting a sub-licence to France. This gives the three countries equal rights to the ship design of the platform developed by the Naval Group as part of the rMCM program.

The three countries' navies will continue to have the same platforms in the future.

In July 2023, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on MCM vessels and capabilities was signed by the three countries. This MOU aims to strengthen cooperation by promoting common benefits with regard to the MCM capabilities of the respective countries.

Belgium was the first country to take delivery of rMCM ships. For the Belgian Navy, the lead ship is Oostende (pictured), named after the Flemish coastal city, and all six ships for Belgium will be known as the City-class.

The French Kership joint venture between the Naval Group and Piriou is in charge of the production of the rMCM ships, which are assembled in Concarneau and Lanester. They will be then all armed afloat by Piriou in Concarneau.

The Naval Group, as overall architect and prime contractor, is responsible for the design of the ships, the overall integration, and the testing and commissioning of the mission system, which includes the combat system and the mine countermeasures system.