Site Semi-Closing

The time has come.  ComNavOps has accomplished every objective for the blog and the site will now be relegated to semi-inactive status meaning that regular postings will cease although occasional posts may be offered from time to time if circumstances and subject matter warrant. 
 
I will leave the site up as a reference source since it is the single greatest collection of US naval wisdom on the Internet.
 
Comments will be allowed but will be moderated to preclude spam and worthless comments.  Comment responses may or may not occur.
 
It has been a fantastic several years and, hopefully, the many readers over the years have found it to be as educational and enjoyable as it has been for me to write.  Thank you to all !
 
Make use of the archives and carry on!
 
ComNavOps … departing!

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/