The Dutch air-defence and command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter could play a role in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius informed the Dutch House of Representatives of the possibility in a letter dated 19 June.
The minister stressed that the Dutch government has not yet taken a formal decision on any deployment.
The Netherlands is closely involved in military planning for a potential mission through an international coalition of dozens of countries. According to the coalition, an air-defence and command frigate could provide significant added value should the mission proceed.
Also read: Strait of Hormuz disruption drives Panama Canal transits
Frigate changes course
To enable a rapid deployment if required, the Ministry of Defence has decided to redirect HNLMS De Ruyter towards the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is expected to arrive in the region within a few weeks.
The frigate departed Den Helder in mid-April and has spent recent weeks operating in the Indo-Pacific. Its deployment focused on supporting the international legal order, including the promotion of freedom of navigation.
Also read: Dutch naval ship De Ruyter completes mission in Strait of Hormuz
Minehunter and dive team
Minehunter HNLMS Willemstad joined Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 earlier this month. The multinational task group is primarily focused on mine countermeasure operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Several minehunters from coalition partners are already operating near the Strait of Hormuz, and Willemstad remains available for deployment to the region if required.
The Netherlands could also rapidly contribute a combined search, diving and explosive ordnance disposal team. A contribution of staff personnel remains another option.
Picture: HNLMS De Ruyter during operations in the Indo-Pacific (photo by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: IMO calls for safe-passage framework in Strait of Hormuz
