{"id":56671,"date":"2025-05-09T15:26:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T15:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/belgian-warship-louise-marie-declared-fully-combat-ready-amid-natos-largest-live-fire-exercises-in-europe\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T15:26:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T15:26:00","slug":"belgian-warship-louise-marie-declared-fully-combat-ready-amid-natos-largest-live-fire-exercises-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=56671","title":{"rendered":"Belgian Warship Louise-Marie Declared Fully Combat-Ready Amid NATO\u2019s Largest Live-Fire Exercises in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"


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NATO allies are conducting the largest live-fire naval exercise in Europe this year: Formidable Shield 2025. Co-hosted by Norway and the United Kingdom, the exercise is orchestrated by the United States Sixth Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO). Designed to test and strengthen NATO\u2019s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capabilities across domains, the event spans the cold waters of Northern Europe, with operational scenarios ranging from the And\u00f8ya firing range in Norway to the Hebrides Range off Scotland.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s iteration emphasizes complex, real-time threat engagements, including the defense against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic missile attacks. With the world watching NATO\u2019s defense posture evolve amid increasing geopolitical instability, Formidable Shield serves as a reminder of the alliance\u2019s unified commitment to collective security in a high-threat environment.<\/p>\n

Formidable Shield 2025 aims to refine interoperability, enhance real-time data sharing, and validate the use of NATO\u2019s integrated command and control architecture. The exercise is a proving ground for how multi-domain forces, including naval, air, and land-based assets, can operate as one cohesive unit. This year, 11 NATO countries\u2014Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, the US, and Australia (contributing sensor data)\u2014have deployed approximately 6,900 personnel, 16 ships, 27 aircraft, and eight ground units.<\/p>\n

The exercise includes a broad spectrum of scenarios: missile interceptions, coordinated multi-platform strikes, and joint mission planning simulations. Participating platforms include U.S. Navy destroyers like the USS Thomas Hudner and Bulkeley, the Royal Norwegian Navy\u2019s KNM Otto Sverdrup, and the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie. Tactical command is handled by HNLMS De Ruyter, a Dutch frigate specializing in air warfare, acting as the central node for command, control, and engagement coordination.<\/p>\n

The NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) based at Forward Operating Location \u00d8rland in Norway supplies aerial situational awareness. Their data, paired with air refueling support from two U.S. Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotankers, ensures prolonged air coverage and interoperability among NATO aircraft, from fighter jets to surveillance drones.<\/p>\n

Among the more prominent contributors to Formidable Shield 2025 is the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie (F931). Its participation marks a culmination of months of forward deployment. Before the exercise, Louise-Marie had already completed several missions under NATO\u2019s maritime and security initiatives.<\/p>\n

In early 2025, the frigate was part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) under Operation Baltic Sentry, launched after suspected sabotage of undersea cables between Finland and Estonia. This mission focused on protecting critical infrastructure across the Baltic. Shortly after, Louise-Marie joined Exercise Joint Viking, a large-scale drill near Russia\u2019s northern frontier, signaling NATO\u2019s emphasis on Arctic and High North deterrence.<\/p>\n

Commanded by Jan Gacas since December 2024, the ship\u2019s active posture reflects Belgium\u2019s deepening military commitment in NATO. According to Belgium\u2019s Ministry of Defence, these deployments aim to demonstrate \u201creadiness, resilience, and a visible deterrent presence\u201d amid escalating tensions near NATO\u2019s eastern and northern borders.<\/p>\n

Originally launched in 1989 as HNLMS Willem van der Zaan by the Dutch Navy, the Louise-Marie became part of the Belgian Navy in 2005 and was rechristened in 2008. The ship is a Karel Doorman-class multi-role frigate, based out of Zeebrugge.<\/p>\n

Displacing 2,800 tonnes at full load, it measures 122.3 meters long and 14.37 meters wide, with a draft of 6.2 meters. The propulsion system is Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG), allowing high-speed bursts via two Rolls-Royce Spey 1A gas turbines (33,800 horsepower combined) and economic cruising via two Stork-Werkspoor diesel engines (9,790 horsepower). It can reach speeds of up to 30 knots.<\/p>\n

The frigate houses 145 personnel and supports helicopter operations through a full flight deck and hangar, typically hosting an NH90 NFH. Recent upgrades include the Thales SeaWatcher 100 radar and Gatekeeper EO system, significantly enhancing surface tracking and threat detection.<\/p>\n

Weaponry:<\/p>\n