Belgium announces that it will give Ukraine a minesweeper

By: Mykhailo Stoliar | 19.03.2024, 08:27

Belgium will deliver the third Narcis minesweeper to the Ukrainian Navy with a new military aid package.

Here's What We Know

Belgium has partnered with the Netherlands to transfer mine-searching vessels to Ukraine. Earlier, the latter had already decided to transfer two Narcis, so this is the third one to be put into service in Ukraine.

Minesweepers of this class are not only capable of performing mine detection and clearance tasks, but can also be used for logistics missions, including the transport of cargo and ammunition. Advanced electronics and sonar make them more efficient and reliable in performing their tasks.

Also, as you know, Belgium will provide basic training, and the Netherlands will provide the practical part of the crew training.

Flashback

Narcis is an Alkmaar-class minesweeper designed in the 1990s and currently used by Belgium, France and the Netherlands. It is based on the French Circé class minesweepers. Its main purpose is to detect and destroy mines in the sea, but Narcis can also be used for logistical tasks such as transporting cargo and ammunition.

Source: Belga