Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV)

The Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV), known in service as the City-class, is a composite-hull mine hunter designed to locate and neutralise naval mines at safe standoff distances using autonomous surface and underwater drones. Built by Damen Naval for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy, the vessel entered service in November 2025, with the lead ship, Zr. Ms. Vlissingen, delivered in March 2026. The platform is the result of a €2 billion contract signed in May 2019, which covers the procurement of 12 vessels split between the two navies, with a unit cost of approximately €166.67 million.

The 82.6-metre vessel features a non-magnetic glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) hull to reduce its acoustic and magnetic signature, a critical feature for mine hunting operations. Propulsion is provided by a combined diesel-electric and diesel (CODLAD) system, including one Anglo Belgian Corporation 12VDZC generator and two 6DZC units, driving two Wärtsilä axles with fixed-pitch screws. The ship carries a mission bay and deck space dedicated to launching and recovering unmanned systems. These include remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous surface and underwater vehicles (USVs/UUVs) that conduct the actual detection and disposal of mines, allowing the crew to remain at a safe distance from the threat. The design prioritizes operational flexibility in littoral waters, where mine threats can extend from hostile shores into friendly ports.

Belgium and the Netherlands are the primary operators of the MCMV. The first vessel, Zr. Ms. Vlissingen, was launched in 2023 and commissioned in late 2025. As of early 2026, one ship is active, with five more under construction to fulfill the total order of 12. The program represents a significant modernization of European mine countermeasures capabilities, replacing older fleets with a standardized, high-tech platform capable of addressing both conventional and emerging asymmetric mine threats. The vessels are designed to operate in complex environments, integrating advanced sensor suites and unmanned systems to enhance situational awareness and response times.

The MCMV program highlights a shift toward shared procurement and industrial cooperation within Europe. By standardizing the design and building process across two nations, the Netherlands and Belgium aim to reduce costs and streamline maintenance and training. The vessel’s ability to deploy a variety of unmanned systems makes it adaptable to different threat levels and operational requirements. While the City-class is currently focused on mine countermeasures, its modular design allows for potential future upgrades or role expansions as technology evolves. The introduction of the MCMV marks a new era in naval mine warfare, emphasizing autonomy, safety, and interoperability.