The Belgian-Dutch rMCM program has delivered its first mine countermeasures (MCM) toolbox in Zeebrugge.
"We are proud to deliver this toolbox to the Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy, and even prouder to be the first in the world to bring such a fully robotic mine warfare capability. This programme positions the consortium at the forefront of modern mine countermeasures, contributing to the evolution of operational standards in this field. Beyond delivery, we are now entering a decisive phase: accompanying the Navies in taking full ownership of this unique capability. Together, we are shaping the future standards of mine warfare within NATO and strengthening European strategic autonomy," Director of the Exail Maritime Systems Business Line, Jérôme Bendell, stated.
This delivery of the toolbox, by Belgium Naval & Robotics, the consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail—with Exail responsible for its design and production—has launched the system integration and commissioning phase aboard the vessel. It follows the handover of Oostende, the first ship of the series, in November 2025.
“The solution we develop together with Exail is a very innovative solution in the mine countermeasure domain, and we are very honored to contribute to the Belgian and the Dutch Navy capability in this field," rMCM program Director, Marie Aline Widenlocher, said.
The delivered systems will constitute the core of the stand-off mine warfare capability of the rMCM vessels, enabling remote detection, classification, identification and neutralisation of mines.
“The delivery of this first MCM toolbox is a crucial step for the rMCM programme. For the procurement division, it represents not only the achievement of a contractual milestone but, above all, the delivery of a new capability on which both Navies can rely. This progress confirms that our structured and closely monitored approach — with strong industrial participation and production in Ostend — is delivering tangible results. With this foundational capability in place, we now move forward with integration and qualification while strengthening the European defence industrial base," Head of the Procurement Division (DGMR), Brigadier General Frédéric Dupuis, affirmed
The toolbox has included the full suite of surface, underwater and aerial unmanned systems, together with the associated mission management solutions. With the exception of the UAVs, all unmanned assets were produced and assembled at Exail’s facility in Ostend, in line with the program’s industrial cooperation commitments.
Following the delivery in Zeebrugge, the toolbox will undergo integration activities and contribute to the preparation of the Oostende MCM vessel for its operational qualification phases.
Belgium Naval & Robotics will continue supporting the Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy through the training of operators and maintainers, support during the integration on board, assistance during harbour and sea trials, delivery of the following toolboxes, and industrial maintenance of the drones, carried out at Exail’s Ostend facility.
These activities are intended to ensure the progressive and secure entry into service of the MCM system.