Interview with Admiral de Beurme on Belgian Navy MCM and Frigate programs

[Isa Khan]

Interview with Admiral Jan de Beurme, the Commander of the Marine Component (Belgian Navy) about two ongoing programs: The replacement of the mine counter measure (MCM) vessels and systems and the anti-submarine warfare frigate (ASWF). Admiral de Beurme discussed with Naval News the challenges posed by the fact these two major programs are being run at the same time, he gave us an update on the MCM replacement program, outlined the expected economic impact from this program and explained how the Belgian Navy will remain a reference worldwide in the field of mine warfare. The Admiral then gave us an update on the ASWF program, and told us how Belgium is looking at fitting the future frigates with ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability. Last but not least, Admiral de Beurme gave us some details about the PESCO MAS MCM project and how it ties in with the MCM program.