Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Netherlands is joining Greece, Spain, France, and the UK in sending a naval unit to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Cyprus’ defense against Iranian drone attacks. The Dutch government has approved the deployment of the air defense and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805) to assist the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Parliament discusses government response to French request
Dutch media reported that the Dutch parliament’s lower house, the Tweede Kamer, discussed a letter on Wednesday from Foreign Minister Tom Berens and Defense Minister Dijland Yeshilgoz outlining the government’s response to a request from France. The letter said the Dutch cabinet is examining the feasibility and necessity of the deployment.
HNLMS Evertsen described as advanced Royal Netherlands Navy warship
Currently sailing alongside the Charles de Gaulle, which had recently been deployed in the Baltic Sea, HNLMS Evertsen is described as one of the most advanced warships in the Royal Netherlands Navy. The frigate can defend a complete fleet formation and carries about 200 personnel, including command staff.
HNLMS Evertsen is the fourth and final ship of the De Zeven Provinciën class. It was commissioned in June 2005 and has a displacement of 6,050 tons and a length of 144.24 meters.
Defense systems and armament
The frigate is equipped with air and naval defense systems, including the U.S. Aegis combat management system. It has 48 vertical launch system (VLS Mk 41) cells for SM-2 and ESSM missiles and is armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
It also carries a 127mm naval gun for long-range engagements and 25mm guns for close-range defense.
European naval powers in the Eastern Mediterranean
The report noted that the nations assisting in the Eastern Mediterranean are major naval powers in Europe with long-standing maritime traditions. It said Greece, followed by France, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, has deployed flagship vessels and advanced assets for the defense of the region.
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