Belgium Agrees to Transfer Minesweeper to Ukrainian Navy

18 March, 2024 Belgian Narcis (M923) minesweeper. Photo credits: Michel Floch The Belgian government agreed to transfer the third Alkmaar-class minesweeper to the Ukrainian Navy.

This was announced to the Belga media by Ludivine Dedonder, Minister of Defense of Belgium. On March 15, 2024, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a package of additional military assistance to Ukraine, according to which, in cooperation with the Netherlands, one more minesweeper will be transferred to Ukraine in addition to the two previously announced ones. It is noted that Belgium will provide basic training to the crew on a ship of the same class, while the Netherlands will conduct the practical part of the exercises.

Le Soir reported that the Narcis ship will be transferred to Ukraine. Before that, it will undergo maintenance to ensure full readiness for service in the Ukrainian Navy.

Belgian Narcis (M923) minesweeper

Recall that in March 2023, the Dutch government agreed on the transfer of two minesweepers of the same class for the disposal of mines and the coast guard of Ukrainian waters.

Narcis minesweeper

Narcis (M923) - an Alkmaar-class (Tripartite) minesweeper was launched in 1990 at the Mercantile-Belyard shipyard in Rupelmonde and accepted into the Belgian Navy in March 1991.

This class of minesweepers was developed jointly in the interests of Belgium, France and the Netherlands, based on French Circe-type minesweepers. A total of 35 ships were built for the three fleets in the 1980s and 1990s. They are designed to search and neutralize mines at sea, but they can also perform logistical tasks for the transportation of goods and ammunition.

Minesweepers were upgraded in 2003. Narcis received advanced electronics, including the Atlas Elektronik INCMS Naval Tactical Data System. It was also fitted with Thales Underwater Systems TSM 2022 Mk III sonar. To detect and neutralize mines, the ship is equipped with Atlas Seafox and Saab Double Eagle Mk.II autonomous unmanned vehicles.

Atlas Seafox autonomous unmanned vehicle

The ship's crew includes 4 officers, 15 sergeants, and 17 sailors.

The 536-ton ship is equipped with a 1370 kW Werkspoor RUB 215 V12 diesel power plant, which allows speeds of up to 15 knots (28 km/h).

The ship's range reaches 3,000 nautical miles (5600 km) at a speed of 12 knots (22 km/h).