The Netherlands has commenced sea trials for the Vlissingen, a next-generation mine countermeasure vessel developed under the joint Belgian-Dutch “rMCM” programme.
The new ship is part of a broader initiative to modernise naval mine warfare capabilities through advanced autonomous technologies and enhanced seaborne resilience.
Construction on the Vlissingen began in 2022, and the ship was launched in October 2023. It will undergo multiple rounds of rigorous trials before being officially handed over to the Dutch Navy, with delivery scheduled for late 2025.
