The air defense and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen will be deployed in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea from this week until the beginning of April. The frigate will contribute to the defense of the Carrier Strike Group and the defense of Cyprus and the alliance’s territory. Ministers Tom Berendsen (Foreign Affairs) and Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Defense) reported this to the Senate and House of Representatives today.
The ship’s 127mm Oto-Melara mount, over 50 years old and formerly fitted on a Canadian Iroquois Class destroyer, is reportedly not functioning.
Minister Berendsen: “With this commitment, the Netherlands shows alliance solidarity and contributes to European cooperation in the context of the protection of the international legal order.”
Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius: “HNLMS Evertsen has unique capabilities to detect threats from the air from a great distance. This allows the crew to protect themselves and allies. By operating together with the French, we also strengthen our action in a European context.”
This is a defensive deployment because of recent developments in the Middle East and Iran’s attacks on surrounding countries, including several partners of the Netherlands. In this way, the Netherlands contributes to European cooperation to protect the international legal order. The Netherlands is also showing solidarity with its European partners.
Part of the fleet
The air defense and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen has been part of the fleet association with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle since 4 February. Last week, France asked the Netherlands for continued support in the fleet. The sensors and weapon systems of HNLMS Evertsen are well suited for defending a ship connection against the threat of drones and missiles.