Belgium may quit Dutch ASW frigate program over delays
Belgium is exploring alternatives to the joint Dutch-Belgian anti-submarine warfare frigate project after delays pushed timelines back by years, Defense News reports. Dutch officials say negotiations continue, but Belgian sources indicate frustration over schedule slippage and diverging requirements. Belgium needs replacements for its M-class frigates by the early 2030s.
Why it matters: Small-navy procurement is fracturing under industrial delays and budget pressure — if Belgium walks, expect it to buy an off-the-shelf German or Italian design, further fragmenting European naval commonality.
Lockheed Martin wins $9.4 million contract to upgrade F-35 assembly stations at Italy's Cameri facility
Lockheed Martin will upgrade assembly stations at the F-35 final assembly facility in Cameri, Italy, under a $9.4 million contract modification. The Cameri plant is Europe's only F-35 production site and builds jets for Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
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Netherlands and France hold first Nuclear Steering Group meeting on deterrence cooperation
The Netherlands and France held the first meeting of a new bilateral Nuclear Steering Group on October 14, opening talks on integrating French nuclear forces and European conventional forces for deterrence. The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced the meeting on October 15, emphasising that the cooperation will complement NATO's existing nuclear arrangements.
Why it matters: The Netherlands is the first non-nuclear NATO member to formalise a bilateral nuclear consultation mechanism with France. If this becomes a template for other European states hedging against U.S. extended deterrence, it rewrites the Continent's nuclear architecture without treaty revision or public debate.
Oshkosh begins building first Dutch Kaaiman expeditionary patrol vehicle for marines
Oshkosh Defense has started building the first prototype of the Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicle, a version of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle designated Kaaiman, for the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. The Netherlands ordered 150 vehicles in June 2025. No delivery date for the prototype was given.
Belgium joins Spain and Germany in Airbus A330 MRTT automatic air-to-air refuelling programme
Belgium has joined Spain and Germany in a programme to equip Airbus A330 MRTT tankers with the A3R automatic air-to-air refuelling system. Airbus received full certification of A3R from Spain's aerospace technology institute INTA in February following cooperation with Singapore. The programme allows receiver aircraft to connect to the tanker boom without manual pilot control.