In a significant step for maritime defense collaboration, French company Kership has successfully launched the third City-class mine countermeasures (MCM) vessel, named the BNS Brugge (M942), for the Belgian Navy at its facility in Lorient. This event marks a pivotal moment in the Belgian-Dutch bilateral initiative aimed at modernizing anti-mine fleets and enhancing military interoperability between the two nations. The program focuses on establishing a new fleet of mine countermeasures based on a common platform, thereby ensuring cooperative dominance at sea.
Following the launch, the BNS Brugge will undergo further work at Concarneau and is slated for commissioning by 2026. The collaboration extends beyond this vessel, with Kership and its parent companies, Naval Group and Piriou, set to construct three additional MCM vessels for Belgium as part of a long-term plan that will continue through the 2030s.
The Netherlands has also engaged in the initiative, having ordered a total of six platforms, with the first vessel expected to be delivered by the end of this year. This shared commitment between Belgium and the Netherlands symbolizes a united front in maritime defense, particularly in the face of evolving threats in maritime environments.
The City-class MCM vessels are designed based on Naval Group’s advanced mine-killing ship system. Each vessel measures 82 meters (269 feet) in length with a beam of 17 meters (56 feet), equipped with next-generation unmanned systems aimed at transitioning both navies towards autonomous anti-mine warfare capabilities.
Powering these vessels is a diesel generator paired with two support generators, complemented by twin electric motors. The designs also include multiple thrusters for enhanced maneuverability. The City-class vessels are capable of accommodating over 60 personnel and provide ample space for two medium-range helicopter drones, small rigid-hull inflatable boats, unmanned surface vehicles, and various mission modules tailored for mine countermeasures.
In terms of armament, the City-class ships are outfitted with a naval cannon, .50-caliber machine guns, support machine guns, and water cannons, alongside an array of sensors for scanning, identifying, and tracking sea mines. Speed capabilities reach up to 15 knots (28 kilometers/17 miles per hour), with a remarkable operational range exceeding 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers/4,027 miles).
Adding to the program’s scope, in 2022, France officially joined the City-class initiative, planning to commission six ships for its navy. Working alongside Naval Group, the French fleet will incorporate specific modifications to meet the requirements of the French Navy, showcasing the program’s adaptability and potential for expanded international cooperation in maritime security.
