Belgium and the Netherlands will transfer seven Tripartite-class minehunter ships to Bulgaria free of charge, in an agreement that also provides indirect support to Ukraine.
The decision, approved by the Belgian Council of Ministers, includes four vessels from Belgium and three from the Netherlands, as well as spare parts and a tactical simulator. Bulgaria will be responsible for the costs of restoration, commissioning, and maintenance of the ships.
The agreement aims to strengthen security in the Black Sea, a strategic region marked by the war in Ukraine and increasing concerns about naval mines. As part of the commitment, Bulgaria will also provide training and instruction to Ukrainian crews, expanding military cooperation between the countries. Belgium and the Netherlands had already donated two minehunter ships to Ukraine in June 2025, with a third expected by the end of the year.
The transfer takes place amid the process of replacing the old Tripartite vessels with new units from the rMCM program, built in France. Each country will receive six modern ships equipped with technology capable of remotely detecting and destroying mines. This renewal is expected to ensure greater security in European and international maritime routes, strengthening the protection of naval infrastructure and interests.
Source: Naval News | Photo: X @TheBelgianNavy | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🌊⚓ #SandyCoast25: 🇧🇪 🇳🇱 🇪🇪 & @SNMCMG1 train side by side in the North Sea & Eemshaven.
Together we clear mines, protect ports & safeguard vital infrastructure against threats at sea. 💪#BelgianNavy #NATO #MaritimeSecurity@kon_marine @NATO_MARCOM pic.twitter.com/licOURgn6R— The Belgian Navy 🇧🇪 (@TheBelgianNavy) August 29, 2025
