Advancements in Mine Countermeasures: The Oostende’s Role in European Naval Cooperation

A New Era in Maritime Security

On November 4, 2025, the Belgian port city of Zeebrugge marked a significant milestone in European defense collaboration with the introduction of the Oostende, the inaugural vessel from the rMCM program. This initiative is the product of a strategic partnership between Naval Group and its collaborators, including Exail, Kership, Piriou, as well as various Belgian suppliers. The departure of the Oostende signals the deployment of an innovative drone-centered solution designed to enhance the naval capabilities of both the Belgian and Dutch fleets, bolstering maritime security across the region.

Leadership Perspectives

Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, emphasized the vessel’s importance in reinforcing cooperative defense efforts in Europe. He noted that the innovative mine countermeasures will significantly improve naval resilience, a quality already validated through rigorous sea testing.

Jérôme Bendell, Director of the Exail Maritime Division, highlighted Exail’s pride in delivering this advanced mine warfare capability. He pointed out that all drone systems have been developed within Belgium, showcasing a model of European industry collaboration that integrates naval architecture and national defense strategies. Bendell underscored that this program not only sets a benchmark for NATO standards but also enhances European sovereignty through sophisticated technological advancements.

The rMCM Program: A Framework for Collaboration

The rMCM initiative represents a key aspect of European defense synergy, established through the consortium Belgium Naval & Robotics, which won the project in 2019. This program embodies a forward-thinking 20-year partnership, focused on industrial cooperation and the transfer of critical technological knowledge to Belgium. Importantly, it includes contributions from a network of Belgian suppliers engaged in various roles, such as construction, research, and maintenance.

Naval Group leads the design phase of the vessels, while Exail closely collaborates on the integration, testing, and commissioning of the mission systems. Construction and assembly tasks have been awarded to Piriou, under the guidance of Kership—a joint entity between Naval Group and Piriou. Meanwhile, Exail Robotics Belgium is responsible for producing and maintaining the unmanned surface vehicles (UxVs) integral to the program.

Current Construction Efforts

Following the completion of the Oostende, construction is actively underway for nine of the eleven ships planned for this series, with five vessels already in the water. The second ship, the Vlissingen, designated for the Royal Netherlands Navy, commenced sea trials in the summer of 2025, while the Tournai—intended for the Belgian Navy—will begin trials soon. The tenth ship, the Delfzijl, entered its construction phase at the end of October. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through to the end of 2030, heralding a significant upgrade in naval capabilities for both nations.

Unprecedented Mine Warfare Capabilities

The vessel’s design represents a transformational shift in mine countermeasures, allowing operators to maintain a secure distance from potential threats. This operational model can accelerate mine clearance processes by a factor of ten compared to traditional methods, significantly enhancing situational safety and operational efficiency.

These state-of-the-art ships will be unique in their capability to deploy, maneuver, and adapt a range of unmanned systems, including:

• Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) measuring approximately 12 meters and weighing 19 tonnes
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
• Aerial Drones

Additionally, the ships are the first to incorporate a fully automated system for detection, classification, identification, and neutralization of underwater mines. Their robust design enables them to withstand underwater detonations, while their low acoustic, electric, and magnetic signatures align them with modern naval warfare demands.

Technical Specifications

Key attributes of the Oostende and its sister ships include:

• Overall Length: 82.6 meters
• Beam: 17 meters
• Displacement: 2,800 tonnes
• Maximum Speed: 15.3 knots
• Operational Range: Greater than 3,500 nautical miles
• Crew Capacity: 63 personnel

Drone Systems Integrated:

• Surface Drones: 2 x Inspector 125 Exail
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: 3 x A-18 with UMISAS 120 sonar
• Towed Sonars: 2 x T-18 equipped with UMISAS 240 sonar
• Neutralization Systems: 2 x Seascan and K-Ster C Exail
• Aerial Drones: 2 x V200 Saab Skeldar
• Influence Dredger: Exail unit with 5 CTM magnetic and 1 PATRIA acoustic module

Embarkation Features:

• 2 x 7m SOLAS RHIB boats
• Handling capabilities including:
  • 2 x side gantries for surface drones
  • 1 x rear crane with a 15-ton capacity
  • Overhead crane with a 3-ton capacity

Conclusion

The arrival of the Oostende not only marks a significant technological leap in mine countermeasures but also illustrates the potential of collaborative defense efforts within Europe. As Belgium and the Netherlands enhance their maritime capabilities, this program is poised to serve as a cornerstone for future innovation in naval warfare and regional security.