Belgium Evaluated Italian Frigates Amid Dutch Program Delays
The Belgian Navy has considered switching to Italian vessels after costs for a Dutch-led frigate project spiked.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Military
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Belgium has turned its attention to the Italian FREMM EVO frigate as a potential alternative to a Dutch-led procurement program. The shift follows significant cost escalations and unresolved delivery timelines within the existing Dutch-managed initiative.
Why it matters
Rising costs and project delays have forced Belgium to look beyond its original partnership to secure essential naval defense capabilities. This evaluation highlights the volatility of international military procurement programs and the search for more reliable acquisition paths.
The Dutch-led program costs have reached €1 billion per ship compared to the original €600 million estimate. Belgium is now evaluating 11 total designs and has shortlisted three, with a potential €3.2 billion budget for three Italian-built frigates.
The players
Belgian Ministry of Defence
This government body is responsible for the procurement of new naval assets and conducted the market consultation for the replacement of current frigates.
Belgian Navy
This maritime branch of the Belgian Armed Forces currently operates two Karel Doorman-class frigates and is evaluating new ship designs.
The details
The Belgian Ministry of Defence is assessing frigate designs based on their anti-submarine capabilities, size, growth potential, and availability. Following a market consultation launched in July 2026, the nation is reviewing three Italian-built options alongside other international candidates.
Timeline
Belgium launched a new market consultation in July 2026.
Portugal selected three FREMM EVO frigates in July 2026.
The first Italian FREMM EVO frigate is scheduled for delivery in 2029.
Deliveries of Italian frigates to Belgium could potentially begin in 2030.
Political Context
Belgium's evaluation of the Italian-built frigates follows the pattern set by Portugal, which finalized its own selection of three FREMM EVO vessels in July 2026. This move reflects a wider pivot among European nations seeking to secure stable defense supply chains in the face of inflating regional military project costs.
The switch to a new frigate supplier would involve a major shift in the €3.2 billion national defense budget allocated for the purchase of three new vessels. Citizens may see this investment reflected in future national security spending plans and the modernization timelines for the Belgian Navy.
The takeaway
Large-scale defense projects often face significant cost overruns that force nations to reconsider long-standing international cooperative agreements. Diversifying procurement options allows states to maintain critical military capabilities while managing fiscal volatility.
Further reading
For more on international defense procurement strategies, visit our Military section.
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