Netherlands’ Defense Minister Ms. Kajsa Ollongren made an announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2022 that the Netherlands would deploy its frigate once every two years to the Indo-Pacific to support maritime security, freedom of navigation and stability in the region. Prior to its journey toward the Indo-Pacific, HNLMS Tromp was deployed in the Red Sea, supporting the U.S. led maritime security operation Prosperity Guardian, and EUNAVFOR Aspides. While deployed there for a month, HNLMS Tromp protected the international trade route that is being threatened by Houthis since October of 2023.

Naval News had the chance to interview the Commander of HNLMS Tromp, Yvonne van Beusekom, the Chief of Defense, General Onno Eichelsheim, and the Minister of Defense, Kajsa Ollongren.
As the Commander of HNLMS Tromp, what were some of the challenges the ship faced during its operations in the Red Sea, and what experiences could you share with the ROK Navy?
HNLMS Tromp has been deployed in the Red Sea for a month, taking part in Operation Prosperity Guardian and EUNAVFOR Aspides. Due to the constant threat posed by the Houthis and the hostile environment, ways to obtain necessary supplies like fuel were limited. However, through coordination with our partners in the operation, we were able to receive fuel from U.S. supply vessels. This demonstrates the importance of establishing strong coordination and mutual support when operating in a hostile environment.
Commander Yvonne van Beusekom
South Korea and the Kingdom of Netherlands have strengthened their ties over the recent years by establishing strategic partnership since late 2022. In the defense field, the Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) and the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) previously inked a MoU. When asked about potential future cooperation in the maritime defense industry sector with South Korea, Defense Minister Ollongren expressed optimism. She highlighted that the Kingdom of the Netherlands boasts companies specializing in high-tech sensors, and with South Korea’s strong defense industry capabilities, she sees promising opportunities for future collaboration.
Local media also inquired about Europe and NATO’s commitment to maintaining maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and the Netherlands’ support for the war in Ukraine. Defense Minister Ollongren and Chief of Defense General Onno Eichelsheim emphasized that it is essential for the Netherlands and NATO to consider maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, as global security is interconnected. They stressed that the same unity and support provided to Ukraine are equally necessary for ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.

After the interview, Commander Yvonne van Beusekom, Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, and Chief of Defense General Onno Eichelsheim visited the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) to pay respects to the fallen Dutch soldiers who fought for the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. Out of the 5,322 soldiers who participated in the Korean War, 120 were killed and 645 were wounded.
As part of the port call, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Korea held a maritime security seminar in collaboration with the European Union through the ESIWA (European Security in and With Asia) project on the topic of maritime sanctions enforcement. The seminar included policy support dialogue and operational briefings on the challenges of enforcing maritime sanctions, especially those related to the United Nations’ sanctions on North Korea.
De Zeven Provinciën-class Frigate

Length:144.24 meter
Beam: 18.82 meter
Height: 34.6 meter
Draught: 7.3 meter
Speed: 30 Knts
Displacement: 6,048 ton (Full Load)

Weapon systems
40-Cell Mk41 VLS (SM-2, RIM-162 ESSM)
Otobreda 127mm
8 x Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles
4 x Torpedo launchers (MK 46 torpedo)
4 x Decoy launch System
1 x Goalkeeper CIWS
Sensors
Thales Smart-L ELR
APAR (Active Phase Array Radar)
Thales Mirador EO Tracking
Sirius (LR-IRST)
SABRE ESM/ECM (Electronic Support Measures/Electronic Counter Measures)

The crew of HNLMS Tromp gave a tour of the ship, showcasing its capabilities, including the recently upgraded bridge and digitalized vessel management system. The vessel is currently capable of detecting aerial targets at short range with the APAR (Active Phased Array Radar) and at long range with the Smart-L radar. It can also share its data with other ships equipped with SM-3 or SM-6 to target and intercept threats. Therefore, they plan to acquire SM-3 missiles to enhance their ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability in the future.
The Dutch crew shared that they are proud to see some of their indeginous sensors and weapon systems like the Smart-L radar and Goalkeeper CIWS used on ROK Navy ships like the Dokdo-class LPH.
After its departure from Busan, HNLMS Tromp will conduct exercises with the ROK Navy before journeying to the East China Sea to support the enforcement of United Nations’ sanctions on North Korea under relevant Security Council resolutions, in cooperation with PSMX (Pacific Security Maritime Exchange) and ECC (Enforcement Coordination Cell). Following this mission, the ship will sail to Japan and then to Hawaii to participate in RIMPAC 2024.
PLA Fighters’ Dangerous Fly-overs
According to the Netherlands Ministry of Defense, on June 7th, while HNLMS Tromp was operating in the East China Sea to support United Nations’ sanctions on North Korea, two PLA fighters circled the Dutch vessel several times, creating an unsafe encounter in international waters. The fighters also conducted dangerous fly-overs of the ship’s NH90 maritime combat helicopter during its patrol. Similar incidents occurred last month when PLA fighters dropped flares in front of the Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R helicopter launched by HMAS Hobart during Operation Argos, Australia’s mission to contribute to the international effort to enforce United Nations’ sanctions on North Korea. Australia’s Ministry of Defense also stated that this action was unsafe and unprofessional.