For the first time, there is a risk that Belgium could go an entire year without an available frigate, warns Admiral Botman, Commander of the Navy, highlighting a major flaw in national defence in an interview with La Dernière Heure on Tuesday.
Admiral Botman explained that frigates are crucial as they are the Belgian Navy’s most versatile ships. "They can be deployed for any type of mission: reconnaissance, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, or armed conflict. They are truly the backbone of our Navy."
Belgium currently has two frigates that are due for replacement.
"The first Dutch model will be delivered in 2029, and the first Belgian in 2030. This is eagerly awaited because our existing frigates are 40 years old. They are heavily used. For instance, the Louise Marie operated in the Red Sea and then in the North twice within a year. We must support the crew and the ship," Botman added.
A third frigate is included in the government’s agreement, but the contract has yet to be signed. Admiral Botman anticipates a delivery by 2033.
However, he repeated his warning about the risk of lacking a frigate for an entire year. He noted that one frigate is currently undergoing "heavy maintenance," while the other is at the end of its cycle. "Replacement is planned, but it requires time."
Overall, he advocates for bolstering "the resilience and capabilities of the Navy."
