Wielingen-class

The Belgian government initiated studies for the Wielingen class in 1969 to fulfill escort requirements for the North Sea and English Channel. The design program received approval in 1971, with orders placed in 1973. Construction took place at the Boelwerf and Cockerill shipyards, as the project required Belgian shipbuilding participation.

The class consists of multi-functional guided-missile frigates utilizing a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system with controllable pitch propellers. Design requirements prioritized seaworthiness, automation, and watertight integrity. The ships are configured with two independent gas-tight citadels to allow for operations during nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare, and all machinery is managed from a central control station. Electronic systems include a tactical data system with Link 11 capability, surveillance and targeting radars, an optronic director, and a hull-mounted sonar. Armament is composed of anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, an automatic naval gun, an anti-submarine rocket launcher, and torpedo catapults. Defensive equipment includes chaff launchers, electronic support measures, and a torpedo decoy system.

Four vessels were completed: Wielingen, Westdiep, Wandelaar, and Westhinder. Entering Belgian service in 1978, the class was based at Zeebrugge. In 1988, Westhinder struck a rock during an exercise off the coast of Norway. The vessel was decommissioned in 1993 and used as a parts source for the remaining fleet before being scrapped in 2000.

The Belgian Navy operated the three remaining frigates until they were sold to the Bulgarian Navy between 2004 and 2009. In Bulgarian service, the vessels were renamed Drazki, Gordi, and Verni. Their operational history includes participation in NATO operations against Libya in 2011 and naval exercises with Turkey. Three units remain active with the Bulgarian Navy.