The Zeebrugge Naval Base has introduced a world first, the M940 Ostend. This vessel is the first in the world to be able to hunt sea mines from a distance of 20 km, using ground, air and underwater drones. A development with significant military and economic importance and potential.
Belgium has long enjoyed a global reputation as a leader in the fight against anti-personnel mines. With the M940 Ostend, the first of a total of six state-of-the-art minehunters has now also been delivered. It's not just the technology that has caught the attention, this 83-metre-long powerhouse, weighing 2,800 tons fully laden, boasts several drone varieties which are integrated and installed on the same mother ship. It is known as a tool box in naval jargon. A toolbox that contains everything you need. Firstly, for example, an unmanned helicopter could make a reconnaissance flight over the sea from the M940 Ostend, to detect the location of mines. An underwater drone can then map the mines on the seabed. Finally, a kamikaze drone is then sent out to destroy the mine. In the air, sea and land, wherever.
The M940 Ostend should be operational in a year and number 2, the Tournai, is expected in the third quarter of 2026. The new mother ships will gradually replace their more modest predecessors from the 1980s.
Belgium is building this brand-new defence programme together with the Netherlands. France has since announced its intention to join.
