Belgium risks a full year without a single operational frigate, a scenario that would seriously undermine its national defence and international commitments, according to Admiral Jan Botman, Commander of the Belgian Navy.
Speaking to La Dernière Heure on Tuesday, Admiral Botman sounded the alarm over what he described as a growing vulnerability in Belgium’s maritime capabilities.
Frigates, he said, are the cornerstone of the Navy’s fleet. “They are our most versatile ships,” Botman explained.
“They can be deployed for any type of mission—reconnaissance, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping operations, or direct military engagement. They are truly the backbone of our Navy.”
Belgium currently possesses two frigates—Louise Marie and Leopold I—both of which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan after four decades of service.
These ships, initially constructed in the 1980s, have been heavily tasked in recent years, including deployments to the Red Sea and Arctic waters, placing significant strain on both crew and equipment.
The Belgian Navy is working in partnership with the Netherlands to replace the aging vessels. The first Dutch-built frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2029, with Belgium’s first new vessel following a year later in 2030.
A third frigate has been included in the federal government’s long-term defence agreement, but as Botman noted, “The contract has not yet been signed,” raising concerns about further delays. If approved, that third ship is expected to be delivered by 2033.
In the interim, Admiral Botman warned that Belgium could face a complete absence of active frigates as early as next year.
One of the two current vessels is undergoing “heavy maintenance,” while the second is nearing the end of its service cycle. “Replacement is planned, but it requires time,” he said. “And until then, we face a significant gap.”
The prospect of having no frigate available for an entire year raises strategic questions about Belgium’s role in NATO and the European Union’s joint maritime operations, particularly in areas such as counter-piracy, naval patrols, and deterrence missions.
Frigates often serve as the Belgian contribution to these international efforts, and their absence could weaken Belgium’s standing and reliability as a defence partner.
Admiral Botman used the interview to issue a broader appeal for reinforcing the Navy’s “resilience and capabilities,” arguing that the country needs sustained investment in maritime defence to meet both national and international obligations.
As Belgium waits for its new ships, the gap in naval readiness poses a growing concern not only for military planners but also for policymakers navigating a changing geopolitical landscape.
With the increasing instability in global maritime zones—from the Red Sea to the Arctic—the absence of a deployable frigate could leave Belgium exposed at a time when naval forces are more vital than ever.