Belgium Set to Deploy Four Minehunter Ships to Bulgaria
(MENAFN) Belgium has authorized the transfer of four retired minehunter ships to Bulgaria in a deal valued at €24 million (over $28 million), according to a news agency on Friday.
The vessels will undergo modernization at Belgian shipyards before being deployed by Bulgaria in the strategically critical Black Sea. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken emphasized that the agreement not only enhances NATO’s regional footprint but also strengthens Belgium’s industrial sector.
“Bulgaria will receive ships that it can deploy in the Black Sea and our Belgian industry will receive a boost of €24 million in employment and high-tech contracts,” Francken said. “In this way, we are not only strengthening NATO, but also our own economy.”
Francken highlighted that the transfer relieves Belgium from the financial burden of maintaining or dismantling aging vessels, as its navy prepares to introduce a new generation of mine countermeasure ships.
The contract requires Bulgaria to finance the vessels' modernization and upkeep in Belgium, guaranteeing sustained business for Belgian firms and ongoing technical support for the Bulgarian navy.
Additionally, Francken mentioned the possibility of including three Dutch ships in the program in the future.
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