According to Naval Group, Belgium and the Netherlands are jointly acquiring 12 City-class vessels, split equally between their navies. The program was awarded in 2019 to Belgium Naval & Robotics, a consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail. Naval Group identifies Tournai as the second City-class vessel and says the program combines ships with autonomous systems operating on, below and above the water.
MetalMate summary of the linked evidenceCommercial context
The arrival marks further delivery progress in a multi-vessel defense procurement program. The combination of purpose-built ships and autonomous systems also indicates that industrial value extends beyond hull construction to integrated unmanned capabilities.
MetalMate analysis- M941 Tournai is the program’s third delivered vessel and the second intended for Belgium, according to Naval Group.
- The procurement covers 12 City-class vessels: six for Belgium and six for the Netherlands.
- Tournai is the second City-class vessel and uses a stand-off concept.
- Belgium Naval & Robotics, comprising Naval Group and Exail, received the program award in 2019.
Watch for subsequent vessel deliveries and evidence of successful integration of the program’s surface, underwater and airborne autonomous systems.
Source & methodology +
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- Article status
- Published · Version 1
- Source date
- 14 November 2025
- MetalMate publication
- 30 September 2026
- Verification
- Automated evidence checks; not human reviewed
Le M941 Tournai fait son entrée à Zeebruges, marquant une nouvelle étape dans la modernisation de la lutte contre les mines en Belgique — Naval Group
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