Training, ship maintenance and even sailors of both navies are already extensively integrated now. "The joint procurement M-class frigates replacement and new MCM vessels is the next logical step in our cooperation. This allows us to deepen our collective strength and to be operationally efficient" said Netherlands defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. The minister underlined the importance of the joint procurement for maritime countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. "With our vessels we can protect our ports and the maritime supply lines that are crucial for the open economies that characterize our countries." For the replacement of the so-called M-class frigates Netherlands takes the lead, for mine hunters Belgium. The Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput agreed the importance of cooperation. "To maintain a broad and balanced armed forces our cooperation must continue, on a European level with our neighbors. Military cooperation only makes sense if there is a win-win situation for all parties, "he said.
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