The Dutch Ministry of Defence wants to strengthen the self-defence capabilities of naval vessels as quickly as possible with the Floating Decoy system. The system will be installed on frigates and is designed to mislead enemy weapons.
Defence informed the House of Representatives of this in a letter on 7 April.
The Royal Netherlands Navy deploys its ships, among other tasks, to protect the Netherlands and its allies from the sea. The frigates are capable of defending themselves against aircraft, missiles and drones. Modern weapons are increasingly able to recognise and evade existing countermeasures, making it essential to keep frigates equipped for the rapidly changing threats at sea.
Where necessary, Defence is therefore expanding the navy fleet with new self-defence capabilities to deceive hostile weapons. These systems will be fitted on the Air Defence and Command Frigates and the Multi-purpose Frigates.
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Decoy system
The Floating Decoy system is a floating lure. When a threat arises, the ship launches a decoy that remains afloat on the water’s surface. It misleads the sensors of the hostile weapon by imitating a strong radar signature or heat source resembling that of the naval vessel. The weapon is confused by the false target and heads for the decoy instead of the ship.
Because of the urgent need for improved protection, the Ministry of Defence intends to procure the Floating Decoy system as quickly as possible, with acquisition expected later this year.
Picture: Air Defence and Command Frigate HNLMS Tromp at sea (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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