The Dutch government is investigating the desirability and feasibility of deploying the air defence and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen in a defensive role in the eastern Mediterranean. Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Defence) and Minister Berendsen (Foreign Affairs) announced this to the House of Representatives on 4 March.
The investigation is related to recent developments in the Middle East and Iran’s attacks on neighbouring countries.
On 3 March, the Netherlands received a request from France to support the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean with HNLMS Evertsen. The French request calls for defensive deployment. Both ships were recently part of a larger fleet (carrier strike group, CSG) on a readiness exercise in the Baltic Sea.
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Already en route, but decision to be made
The government is expected to make a decision in the near future. The House of Commons will be informed accordingly. In the meantime, HNLMS Evertsen is already heading for the Mediterranean Sea, together with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Picture: HNLMS Evertsen at sea (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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