A failed naval test simulating a drone attack on the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie (F931) has resulted in the ship’s Red Sea mission being cancelled.
During the exercise, an anti-aircraft missile jammed in the vessel’s launch tube and other onboard weaponry also malfunctioned.
One of Belgium’s two frigates, the Louise-Marie and its 170-strong crew was due set to sail to the Persian Gulf and join the European mission in the Strait of Hormuz. There, warships protect merchant vessels against potential attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen and elsewhere.
That has become increasingly important amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. On April 13, a huge wave of missiles and drones was fired from Iran and its sites in Yemen towards Israel. Almost all were reportedly intercepted by Israel with help from Western forces.
Also on April 13, Dutch marine blog Marineschepen.nl reported the failed exercise involving the Louise-Marie.
The ship was unable to shoot down a drone after one of its RIM-7 Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles got stuck in the launch tube as its other defences also failed.
The embarrassing incident took place in the presence of Admiral Michel Hofman, the Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces.
As a result of the botched test, the frigate’s deployment in the Red Sea has been postponed.
“At present, the frigate remains in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship’s commander and the general staff have decided to extend the training period of the frigate due to previous exercises and technical tests that have not yet yielded the intended results,” the Belgian defence ministry told Marineschepen.nl.
“The identified shortcomings are currently being analysed, and necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the continuation of the mission towards the operational theatre.
“For defence, the safety and preparedness of our personnel and capabilities are paramount. No compromises will be made in this regard,” it added.
According to its own page on Facebook, the Louise-Marie was taking part in two weeks of intensive training in the Mediterranean together with a Dutch frigate.
https://brusselssignal.eu/2024/04/belgian-navy-left-red-faced-over-botched-frigate-exercise