The Dutch frigate in the Mediterranean mission will see the Netherlands send an air-defence and command frigate “Evertsen” to the Eastern Mediterranean to help protect countries in the region, including Cyprus, from possible attacks linked to Iran or allied armed groups.
According to a letter sent to the Dutch parliament, Foreign Minister Berentsen and Defence Minister Yesilgöz said the deployment aims to strengthen security for states within range of Iranian missiles or drones.
Protection for Cyprus and regional allies
The Dutch government said the frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805) will help defend countries such as Cyprus, an EU partner, and Turkey, a NATO ally, amid growing tensions in the region.
The move follows recent incidents near Cyprus, including a drone strike on a British military base on the island believed to have originated from Lebanon.
Officials said the Dutch frigate mission in the Mediterranean is defensive and intended to support stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
Support for French aircraft carrier
The frigate will also provide protection for naval units operating in the area, with a key task being support for the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort ships.
Around 170 crew members serve on board the “Evertsen”, and the deployment comes at the request of France as part of coordinated European security efforts.
The vessel had been taking part in training exercises in the Baltic Sea with the French carrier group before continuing towards the Mediterranean.
Mission limited and defensive
The Hague described the deployment as limited in scope and purely defensive, with an initial duration of several weeks, expected to last until early April.
Reports indicate the Dutch and French naval forces are already near Malta as operational details are finalised.
The Dutch frigate operation in the Mediterranean reflects increased military coordination among European countries during the current crisis.
Air-defence frigate capabilities
The “Evertsen” is an air-defence and command frigate designed to protect entire naval groups against threats from aircraft, missiles and drones.
It can also host command staff for naval operations, allowing it to coordinate large-scale missions at sea.
The Dutch navy operates four ships of this type.
Rising tension in Middle East
The deployment comes as the conflict in the Middle East has expanded following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with several Gulf countries reporting drone attacks.
Turkey has also intercepted missiles entering its airspace, while shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted.
The slowdown in tanker traffic through the key energy route has pushed global oil and fuel prices higher, increasing concern among European governments, including those involved in the Dutch frigate Mediterranean mission.
Also read: Cyprus strategic partnerships tested in crisis
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
