Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal and Dutch company Damen Shipyards Group are collaborating to deliver maritime defense solutions.

Signing a memorandum of understanding at the Brussels European Defense Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX), the companies aim to integrate FN’s capabilities into Damen’s maritime platforms.

The strategic industrial collaboration also involves a joint exploration of innovative maritime systems, including un – crewed surface vessels.

The partnership will strive to strengthen the capabilities of the Belgian and Dutch navies as part of the BeNeSam (Belgian-Netherlands Cooperation Accord) agreement, as well as their partners in Europe and NATO.

FN Herstal specializes in firearms, including the FN MAG, a 7.62mm general – purpose machine gun widely used in Europe — used as the L7 GPMG in the UK, KSP-58 in Sweden, and M240 in the US.

Meanwhile, Damen produces naval vessels, such as frigates and combat support ships.

“By combining our respective expertise, we create the conditions to offer solutions with high operational added value, tailored from the outset to the current and future challenges of the world’s most demanding armed forces,” said FN Herstal CEO Julien Compère.

• The Defense Post