NATO & Defense

Dutch-Belgian frigate project in trouble: The Hague says talks continue as Belgium looks to Italy

Render of the Dutch ASWF. / photo: Damen

More than three months after parliament was briefed behind closed doors on the troubled Dutch-Belgian frigate programme, the future of one of Europe's largest naval procurement projects appears increasingly uncertain. The Dutch government is still working towards a decision on how to proceed. In a new update to parliament, the Dutch defence ministry confirms that discussions with Belgium remain ongoing and that ministers are only expected to present further decisions later this year. New information emerging from sources in Belgium suggests Brussels is moving closer to abandoning the joint Dutch-Belgian Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigate (ASWF) programme altogether.

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