The air defense and command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter may have a role in ensuring free passage in the Strait of Hormuz. Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius writes this today in a letter to the House of Representatives. The minister emphasizes that the cabinet has not yet decided about the deployment from the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is actively involved in the military planning of a deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. This is done through an international coalition of dozens of countries. The coalition has found that an air defense and command frigate can be of great added value when the mission starts.
To enable timely deployment, the Ministry of Defense has therefore decided to have HNLMS De Ruyter change course towards the Strait of Hormuz. The frigate is expected to arrive in the region within a few weeks.
HNLMS De Ruyter left Den Helder in mid-April. The ship has spent the past few weeks in the Indo-Pacific in the context of promoting international legal order, including promoting freedom of passage and navigation.
Minehunter and dive team
Minehunter HNLMS Willemstad joined the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 earlier this month. This fleet focuses on mine warfare in the Mediterranean. Now, several minehunters from coalition partners are already present in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. The Willemstad will remain available to be used in the Strait of Hormuz if it is decided to do so.
In addition, it remains a possibility to quickly deploy a combined search, diving, and explosive ordnance disposal team. The same applies to a contribution with staff capacity.