Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen deployed to the eastern Mediterranean

The Dutch government has announced the deployment of the air defense and command frigate HNLMS Evertsen to the eastern Mediterranean. The vessel will remain in the region from this week until early April. Its primary mission is to support the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and assist in the defense of Cyprus and other allied territories. The deployment follows a request from France made last week for continued support within their naval alliance. HNLMS Evertsen, a De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate commissioned in 2005, is equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, including the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System, SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, and Goalkeeper CIWS. The mission is aimed at countering threats such as drones and missiles to ensure maritime security amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The ship, which has a displacement of approximately 6,000 tons and a length of 144 meters, is specifically designed for area air defense and fleet protection.