The Belgian frigate Louise-Marie has joined a NATO mission to boost maritime security.
The mission focuses on deterrence operations and joint exercises with NATO partners in the Baltic Sea and later near the Russian border.
The vessel departed from Zeebrugge naval base with a crew of 130 to 140 for a two-month deployment.
In the first phase, the frigate will join the “Baltic Sentry” mission to protect submarine infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
For the second phase, Louise-Marie will participate in NATO’s “Joint Viking” exercise in Norway near the Russian border, training alongside allied forces to enhance regional deterrence.
“We adopt a very flexible attitude and get information through NATO on where we are needed,” stated Belgian Navy Commander Jan Gacas.
“By training with others, we increase our readiness. This is how we keep acting at a high level.”
[NL] Het
[FR] La frégatefregat Louise-Marie op weg naar de Baltische Zee.
Waarom? De bemanning legt het uit !
Read morehttps://t.co/YBCkFGUBES#WeAreNato #Navy @COM_BelgianNavy pic.twitter.com/zAPUUrYCQu
— Belgian Navy
Belgian Frigate Louise-Marie
Belgium’s Louise-Marie is a multipurpose Karel Doorman-class frigate.
The vessel can reach a speed of 29 knots (33.4 miles/54 kilometers per hour) operating with a combined diesel or gas turbine propulsion system.
It supports various missions, including anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare.
In 2014, Louise-Marie underwent a major upgrade, including sensor modernization and interface improvements.
The frigate has participated in multiple operations, including the EU’s Atalanta mission and NATO’s Active Endeavour.
‘Baltic Sentry’
In response to growing security concerns in the Baltic Sea, NATO launched the “Baltic Sentry” mission in January.
The operation involves frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and other naval assets.
The initiative was launched after several incidents of damaged submarine cables and underwater infrastructure between Finland and Estonia late last year, fueling concerns about possible sabotage.
Authorities suspect the damage was caused by a Russian “shadow fleet” carrying crude oil and operating despite embargoes imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
