The rMCM programme is entering a key phase of system integration

The Belgian-Netherlands programme for the construction of new MCM mine vessels has entered the stage of integration of deck equipment with unmanned systems. By the end of 2026, the full course of mine-mining activities conducted from a safe distance from the endangered site is to be presented.

He spoke about the status of the program during the Combined Naval Event conference 2026 kmdr Pierre Van Engeland, responsible for rMCM in the Belgian Navy. He acknowledged that the integration of ship software, command systems and unmanned means of detection and destruction of mines remains the biggest challenge.

Unmanned systems boarded Oostende

The programme is based on 12 mine vessels, six for Belgium and the Netherlands, and about 120 unmanned systems. They are to detect, classify, identify and destroy seamines without having to enter a danger zone.

First Belgian vessel Oostende (M940) was handed over to the contracting authority in November 2025, and on June 24, 2026 the ceremony of his baptism was held. In February, Koninklijke Marine received Vlissingen (M840). Nine further units are at different stages of construction.

In March Polish Navy Belgium received the first set of unmanned systems. This started the stage of their installation, testing and reception on board Oostende. In early June, the ship carried out its first sea trials in the bay of Douarnenez, Brittany with a full team serving mine equipment.

The set includes, inter alia, unmanned water units Inspector 125, autonomous submarines A18-M, towed sonars T18-M and remote controlled vehicles designed to identify and destroy mines. The equipment is to be completed by unmanned aircraft Saab Skeldar V-200.

Software integration the biggest challenge

According to Mr Van Engeland, the biggest challenge is the integration of ship software with unmanned systems and mine equipment. By the end of 2026, it is planned to demonstrate the full ability to detect, classify, identify and destroy mines.

During the tests, an autonomous submarine obtained good results A18-M. Its synthetic aperture sonar provides high quality imaging, but generates large amounts of data requiring further data processing.

Work is also ongoing on the automatic launching and taking of unmanned vehicles at a higher sea state. Currently with part of the unit operation Inspector 125 there must be a crew member. Ultimately, the whole process is to be done without human participation.

The integration of Saab Skeldar V-200 unmanned workers has also not been completed. Their crews are training on land for now, as the system is waiting for the automatic launch and landing on board the ship. Industrial trials were planned for the summer.

Delay of the training simulator

The problem is also the delay of work on the full simulator of the rMCM program, which is unofficially referred to as the "Third Ship". The system installed in Ostend allows to know the layout of the unit.

The software for training against mine systems is not yet ready. As a result, crews learn how to operate equipment directly on real equipment, and only later will they be able to undergo simulator training. Originally the opposite order was assumed.

The rMCM program implements a consortium of Belgium Naval & Robotics, formed by Naval Group and Exail. Kership, Naval Group and Pirou are responsible for the construction of ships. Singles are formed in Pirou shipyards in Concarneau and Naval Group in Lanester, while some of the hulls are built in Romania. Most unmanned systems produce Exail in Ostend.