- Yes
- No
- (independent) BeNeLux tree
- France: BeNeLux subtree
- other
- no/negative
TL;DR: A Belgian Frigate with mostly Franco-USA-Dutch equipment (100 mm gun, Exocet, Seasparrow and torpedoes)
F913 BNC Westhinder in 1998, one of the four Wielingen-class in the Belgian Navy.
History
History
The Wielingen-class consisted of relatively small frigates, made possible in part by the absence of a hangar and a helicopter deck. However, the ships were well-armed. They were equipped with Exocet cruise missiles and a 100mm cannon. For air defense, the ships carried NATO Sea Sparrow missiles, and for anti-submarine warfare, the Wielingen-class frigates were equipped with depth charge mortars.
Contruction
The Wielingen-class frigates were Belgium’s first large warships built after World War II. They were designed to replace the six aging “Algerine” escorts from the WWII era, which were approaching the end of their operational lifespan. Preliminary studies began in 1964 with the goal of creating a warship capable of protecting merchant vessels from submarines and aircraft in the “southwestern approaches” near Flushing. Four Wielingen frigates were planned, with construction set to begin in April 1974 under the technical guidance of the Royal Netherlands Navy, at the Boel and Cockerill shipyards. The flagship, Wielingen, was launched on March 30th, 1976, and christened by Queen Fabiola of Belgium in a public ceremony on January 20th , 1976, at the Cockerill shipyards.
Crest of the WesthinderCrew
There are 159 crew members: The Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer, 12 Officers, 74 Non-Commissioned Officers, 53 Volunteers, and 18 Conscripts (mandatory military service was applicable at the time).
They were divided into 3 departments:
Department “Internal Service”: deck, diving, administration, supply, and medical services.
Department “Technical”: mechanics, electricity, and electronics.
Department “Operations”: communications, radar, sonar, and artillery.Name Origin
The name Westhinder was chosen to honor the Westhinder Sandbank, a prominent navigational feature in the North Sea. This sandbank had been a key landmark for sailors, and naming the ship after it symbolized the vessel’s purpose in ensuring the security and stability of Belgium’s maritime interests.
Service History
The BNS Westhinder had a notable service history, contributing to both national defense and international peacekeeping missions throughout its time in service.
Early Years and NATO Integration
Commissioned in 1978, the Westhinder quickly became a core part of the Belgian Navy’s fleet, participating in numerous NATO exercises. These exercises were essential for maintaining Belgium’s strategic commitments within NATO, especially during the Cold War. The ship’s early operations focused on anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface combat, though it was also involved in broader NATO maritime defense efforts.
Operation Sharp Vigilance (1992)
One of the most significant chapters in the Westhinder’s history was its role in Operation Sharp Vigilance, a NATO-led operation to enforce UN sanctions during the Yugoslav Wars. In 1992, the Westhinder was deployed to the Adriatic Sea, where it played a crucial role in preventing the smuggling of goods to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. From May 1 to June 15, 1992, the ship intercepted 596 merchant vessels and boarded 17 ships suspected of violating the embargo. This operation highlighted the ship’s importance in enforcing international law and maintaining peace during a period of conflict in the Balkans.
Grounding Incident During NATO Exercise
In the early 1980s, during a NATO exercise off the coast of Norway, the Westhinder experienced a grounding incident, causing damage to the ship. However, the vessel was repaired and returned to service, continuing its contributions to NATO’s defense and peacekeeping operations. The grounding was a reminder of the inherent risks of naval operations, but the Westhinder’s swift recovery underscored the resilience and readiness of the Belgian Navy.
Decommissioning and Legacy
After 15 years of active service, the BNS Westhinder was decommissioned in 1993 as part of the Belgian Navy’s fleet modernization plan. The ship was sold and scrapped in 2003, marking the end of its active service. The Wielingen-class was replaced in 2007 by two Dutch-made M-class Karel-Doorman frigates.
Specifications
Dimensions: Lenght/Beam/Draught: 106,4 m / 12,3 m / 5,6 m
Displacement: 2247 tons
Propulsion: CODOG-propulsion,
2 x Cockerill CO 240 V12 diesel engines, 4,500 kW (6,000 bhp)
1 x Rolls-Royce Olympus TM3B gas turbine, 21,000 kW (28,000 shp)
Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)Crew: 159
Armament Gun 1 x 1 100mm Mle 68 Creusot-Loire dual purpose gun Point-defence 5 x 1 12.7mm M2 Browning machine guns SAM 1 x 8 200 mm RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface to air missile launcher ASM 2 x 2 348 mm MM38 Exocet surface to surface missile launchers Depth Charges 1 x 6 375 mm Creusot-Loire depth charge launcher Torpedoes 2 x 10 533 mm ECAN Type L5 torpedoes EW/DLS DR-2000 intercept - 2Mk 36 SRBOC chaff (VI x 2)
Sensors Surveillance radar Hollandse Signaal Apparaten DA-05 (E/F band) Targeting radar Hollandse Signaal Apparaten WM-25 IR/Optical targeting Yes, 2 x 1 EOMS IR/Video optical targeting cameras Sonar AN/SQS-510 Navigation radar Kelvin Hughes type 1007/SCOUT1
Place in War Thunder
The BNS Westhinder would a fully-unique Belgian Frigate class representing the Belgian navy at almost top-tier Coastal. In the current state of Coastal fleet it would most likely be a rank 6 ship with one good gun and very decent long-range torpedoes.
Regarding nations
BeNeLux
As the BeNeLux subtree for France has now been confirmed, France has the highest chance of recieving Belgian equipment. However an independent BeNeLux would also be very possible. For further info please go to: BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg) Coastal Fleet.
Pictures
Sources
Sources
- Belgian Navy. (Jan 2025). Wielingen. Wielingen
Wielingen class Frigate Belgian Navy Armed Forces. (n.d.). Wielingen class Frigate Belgian Navy Armed Forces- Shipcollection, G. (2018, February 2). BNS WESTHINDER F 913. G.GYSSELS SHIPCOLLECTION: BNS WESTHINDER F 913
- Karremann, J. (01 november 2016). Wielingenklasse fregatten. Wielingenklasse fregatten
- Van Ginderen, Leo & Delgoffe, Chris.Fotoboek Belgische Zeemacht. Vlaamse Maritieme Ruilvereniging. Antwerpen. 1996
- Miskowicz, R., & Braun, K. (n.d.). AN/SQS-510 ACTIVE SONAR SYSTEM. TRID. https://trid.trb.org/View/442845