Nicosia, Cyprus. The Dutch air defence frigate HNLMS Evertsen has begun operations in Cypriot maritime waters despite its main naval gun being temporarily out of action. Commander Marcel Keveling said the defect does not affect the ship’s mission.
Commander says mission unaffected
Speaking on Friday after the vessel reached the eastern Mediterranean, Keveling said the ship retained the capabilities needed to carry out its defensive role. He told Dutch media he had sufficient alternative weapons systems and said the frigate’s primary function in the region is air defence rather than surface combat.
Deployment in support of multinational presence
The vessel was deployed as part of a multinational naval presence supporting the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle following rising security concerns after an Iranian made drone struck RAF Akrotiri last week.
Operations near Cyprus and crew size
Keveling said the ship is operating close to Cyprus with a crew of around 180 personnel. “There are about 180 people on board. It is like a small floating village,” he said.
Airspace monitoring role in the Levant
The Evertsen, an air defence and command frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy, has been tasked with monitoring and protecting the airspace around the multinational fleet operating in the Levant. The vessel is equipped with radar and sensor systems designed to detect threats at long range and share information with allied forces.
“We are creating a complete picture of the airspace,” Keveling said. “We want to know what is flying around us, aircraft, missiles, drones or anything else.” He added that the crew continuously monitors the surrounding airspace.
What do you think the ship’s air defence mission near Cyprus will focus on most?
