Zr.Ms. Tromp sets course for India from the Red Sea | News item

The efforts of Zr.Ms. Trump in the Red Sea is over. The air defense and command frigate has been patrolling there since the end of March to protect merchant shipping against attacks by the Houthis with missiles and drones. The sensors, including radar systems, made the air defense and command frigate valuable during this assignment. The ship managed to detect attacks early. In doing so, the ship also contributed to military deterrence. While Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman sails to the Red Sea, De Tromp is now on his way to India.

Minister Kajsa Ollongren: ”Hr.Ms. With its radar and weapon systems, Tromp has made an important contribution to the protection of naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea. The ship is now sailing towards the Indo-Pacific. The government sees this region as an important economic growth region in the world and increasingly also as a geopolitical center of gravity. The operation of Zr.Ms. Trump in the Indo-Pacific underlines the importance that the Netherlands has in this region.”

Red Sea deployment

The efforts of Zr.Ms. Trump in the Red Sea was part of the American-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. In addition, the ship provided associated support to the EU operation Aspides. The aim of both operations is to promote security and free passage in the Red Sea.

Houthi units have been regularly targeting commercial and naval vessels with drones and missiles since November. This happens in the southern part of the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden. The Red Sea is a crucial shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. The Netherlands also has a direct economic interest in the safe and unhindered transport of goods by sea. During the presence of Zr.Ms. Tromp in the Red Sea, dozens of missile and drone attacks were repelled and a merchantman twice escaped unscathed.

High spectrum of violence

The more than 200-man crew of the naval ship was prepared for deployment in a high spectrum of violence. The unit is trained to deal with risks. The ship is equipped with defense equipment against various threats. During the deployment, there was close cooperation with the other naval and air force units.

It is valuable for the crew to sail in other areas. The meteorological conditions and coastline provide unusual challenges and insights. Zr.Ms. Tromped past the British freighter, sunk after an attack by the Houthis. That impressed the crew and confirms why a military presence is necessary in this area.

Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman to the Red Sea

The ship now continues its journey to the Indo-Pacific, with India as its first stop. In September, Zr.Ms. Tromp returned to the Netherlands via the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean.

At the beginning of next month, the logistics support ship Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman in the Red Sea.