HNLMS De Ruyter will depart in mid-April for a five-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific. Through this mission, the Netherlands aims, among other things, to strengthen ties with countries in the region. The air defence and command frigate will call at several ports.
Maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific are in the Dutch national interest. With its presence, the naval vessel contributes to promoting the international legal order, including freedom of navigation and overflight.
The deployment will also enhance the operational readiness of the frigate and its crew of around 200 personnel. During the voyage, De Ruyter will participate in exercises with partner nations. Where possible, the frigate will also provide temporary support to operations while transiting relevant operational areas.
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International exercises
The Ministry of Defence intends to deploy a vessel to the Indo-Pacific every two years. Two years ago, HNLMS Tromp was present in the region. Like Tromp at the time, De Ruyter will take part in major international maritime exercises, including Rim of the Pacific and Pacific Dragon near Hawaii.
The frigate will also transit the Red Sea. The Ministry of Defence will closely monitor the security situation along the entire route, both ahead of and during the deployment.
Picture: Air defence and command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
