Foreign Shipbuilders

Yet another data point for those who believe that foreign shipbuilders produce better, faster, and cheaper ships.
 

Belgium’s long-running plan to replace its ageing M-class frigates has entered a new and potentially consequential phase. Defence Minister Theo Francken has publicly stated that the joint Dutch-Belgian frigate programme is moving “completely in the wrong direction” on both delivery dates and price …[1]
 
… following a previous extension, recent signals point to further delays of two to three years.[1]

To be clear, this program is in the design phase, not actual construction but design is part of the build and the design costs and schedule delays are real.
 
 
 
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[1]Naval News website, “Belgium Eyes ASWF Alternatives as Damen Timeline and Costs Soar”, Tayfun Ozberk, 21-Jul-2026,
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/07/belgium-aswf-frigate-alternatives-damen-delays/