Dutch ASWF Frigate Program Faces Further Delays as Belgium Evaluates Options

The Netherlands has delayed its Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigate programme by another three years, moving the first Dutch delivery from 2030 to 2033. Stability problems required a larger hull and substantial redesign after an earlier schedule slip and an estimated cost increase of about 40 percent. Detailed engineering began in September 2026, while construction of the first integrated mast had started in June and a fuller programme update is expected in the fourth quarter. Belgium has not yet committed to the revised design and is also evaluating the Italian FREMM EVO before a decision expected by year-end.