The Ministry of Defense notes that its navy is simultaneously active on several fronts. Belgian minesweeper Primula is part of NATO’s permanent mine countermeasures fleet in the Mediterranean. The deployment is a response to the evolving security situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where the vessel could be sent if required.
Primula is tasked with ensuring maritime security and combating illegal activities, while remaining ready to deploy to the Strait, where it could detect, identify and neutralize mines. Depending on its position in the Mediterranean, moving there could take up to two weeks.