In the 2000s, Belgium acquired two second-hand anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates of the M type (also known as the Karel Doorman class) from the Netherlands. The Netherlands retained only two units, the HNMLS Van Amstel and HNMLS Van Speijk, out of the eight constructed between 1985 and 1995. As the construction of Belgium’s two future frigates has faced delays, the question arises: will Belgium order a FDI frigate from France?