The HNLMS De Ruyter (F806) is a air-defence and command frigate (LCF) of the Royal Netherlands Navy. She is the third ship of the four De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates, designed primarily for air warfare and command tasks within a naval task group.
Overview
HNLMS De Ruyter is named after Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, a famous Dutch admiral. She is the seventh ship in the Royal Netherlands Navy to bear this name. Her primary mission is to provide air defence for friendly naval units and to serve as a command platform, leveraging her advanced combat system and radar capabilities.
Construction and Commissioning
The frigate was built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen, Netherlands.
- Laid Down: September 1, 2000
- Launched: April 13, 2002
- Commissioned: April 22, 2004
Characteristics
HNLMS De Ruyter is equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and weapon systems, making her a highly capable multi-mission platform.
- Displacement: Approximately 6,050 tonnes (full load)
- Length: 144.24 meters (473 ft 3 in)
- Beam: 18.80 meters (61 ft 8 in)
- Draft: 5.18 meters (17 ft 0 in)
- Propulsion: Two Wärtsilä 16 V26 diesel engines and two Rolls-Royce Spey SM1C gas turbines (CODOG arrangement).
- Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
- Complement: Approximately 174 personnel (including air staff)
Armament
Her armament includes:
- 1 × OTO Melara 127 mm/54 caliber gun
- 40-cell Mk 41 VLS for:
- RIM-66 Standard Missile 2 Block IIIA (SM-2MR)
- RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM)
- 2 × Quad Harpoon missile launchers
- 2 × Goalkeeper CIWS (Close-in Weapon System)
- 2 × Oerlikon 20 mm machine guns
- 2 × BAE Systems Stinger launchers
- 2 × Twin torpedo launchers for Mk 46 torpedoes
Sensors and Systems
Key sensors include the SMART-L 3D long-range air search radar and the APAR (Active Phased Array Radar) multi-function radar for target tracking and missile guidance. These systems provide exceptional situational awareness and air defence capabilities against various threats, including aircraft and anti-ship missiles.
Service History
Since her commissioning, HNLMS De Ruyter has participated in numerous national and international exercises and operations, demonstrating her capabilities as an air defence and command platform. She has regularly deployed as part of NATO standing naval forces and contributed to maritime security operations, often operating in demanding environments. Her role often involves serving as the command ship for multinational task groups.
Current Status
HNLMS De Ruyter (F806) remains an active and integral part of the Royal Netherlands Navy's surface fleet, continuing to fulfill her role as a formidable air-defence and command frigate.