Several Dutch naval ships and a submarine practised in Norwegian waters for the past three weeks. The aim was to increase and broaden anti submarine warfare knowledge.
The Royal Netherlands Navy did not do this alone. For instance, three NH90 maritime combat helicopters of the Defence Helicopter Command were deployed. There was also support from two maritime patrol aircraft from Germany and the United States.
Countering submarines is known internationally as anti submarine warfare. It is one of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s key capabilities. Moreover, it is a spearhead within NATO. Maintaining and increasing knowledge on anti submarine warfare is badly needed, especially in the current times, but also for future operations. Furthermore, it is a valuable experience for personnel.
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HNLMS Van Amstel in the lead
HNLMS Van Amstel was the beating heart of exercise Riptide 24 as a submarine combat specialist. The exercise was organised for the first time. The frigate is equipped with several sonars, including the towed array and the Low Frequency Active Passive Sonar (LFAPS). They are specifically designed for anti submarine warfare.
From the Van Amstel, the various units were controlled. These included the amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt and the support ship HNLMS Mercuur. A Dutch navy submarine was also on site.
Dipping sonar
The past few weeks were therefore used to optimise cooperation to perfection. This not only applied to the naval vessels themselves, but also to the cooperation with the NH90 helicopters. These are extremely suitable for anti submarine warfare because of their dipping sonar (so-called HELRAS). The Americans and Germans joined in with maritime patrol aircraft.
From data to simulation
According to the commander of HNLMS Van Amstel and commander of the exercise Captain Lieutenant at Sea Wilco Faber, the training sessions were very valuable for everyone. “We broadened our knowledge on anti-submarine warfare and brought it to a higher level,” he said.
Those involved immediately set to work with the feedback they received from specialists at the Maritime Warfare Centre in Den Helder. They collected the necessary data during Riptide 24 and were able to immediately translate it into a simulation. This provided an opportunity to give immediate feedback on the various scenarios and apply improvements on the spot right away.
Meanwhile, the exercise has come to an end. Some of the units will take part in the NATO exercise Dynamic Mongoose in the coming weeks.
Picture (top): HNLMS Van Amstel, HNLMS Johan de Witt and the support ship HNLMS Mercuur took part in Riptipe 24, as well as one of the Dutch submarines (photo by Ministry of Defence).
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