In November, two missiles were successfully fired from the Air Defence and Command frigate (LC frigate) HNLMS De Ruyter. This happened off the West Coast of Scotland. These were test launches of a so-called Standard Missile 2 and an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.
The LC frigate can protect an entire fleet from attacks from the air with these surface-to-air missiles in combination with advanced sensors. This is not an unnecessary luxury, should the navy be given a defensive role if the NATO treaty area is attacked.
The test launches were intended to train the crew. Furthermore, it was about testing the weapon system ( vertical launch system ) and the rockets and declaring them ready. This was done with the support of experts from the Maritime Warfare Centre and the Directorate of Material Maintenance from Den Helder.
Since the major maintenance of Zr.Ms. De Ruyter and the completion of an intensive training program, rockets have been fired for the first time. With the successful launches, the Royal Navy shows that it can be deployed up to and including the highest level of violence. In this way, Defense deters potential enemies.
It is a busy year for the crew of Zr.Ms. De Ruyter. The next test of strength for the crew is next week. Then the ship will participate in a large international exercise off the French coast.