Brussels: Belgium's navy could face a significant operational gap as delays in a joint Belgian-Dutch warship program threaten to leave the fleet without any operational frigates for several years. According to local media reports, the delivery of Belgium's first new vessel is now postponed to 2034, a full seven years later than initially planned, as reported by Dutch-language newspaper De Morgen.

According to Anadolu Agency, Belgium and the Netherlands had initially placed an order for four new anti-submarine warfare frigates from a Dutch shipbuilder. However, the Dutch Defense Ministry announced this week that the construction timeline has been further delayed. Currently, Belgium's navy operates two frigates, the Leopold I and Louise-Marie, which have been active participants in NATO operations in the Baltic region and other missions. Despite their current service, these vessels are nearing the end of their operational life and are unlikely to remain functional into the mid-2030s.

The potential gap in frigate capabilities has prompted Belgian authorities to explore emergency measures. Options under discussion include converting existing minehunters for broader use or leasing frigates from other sources as an interim solution. The financial implications of the delay are also significant, with the procurement cost of the new vessels escalating. Initial estimates of £600 million ($696 million) per ship have surged to around £1 billion, with an additional £250 million in projected costs now anticipated.