Netherlands positions ships and drones for possible NATO operation in Strait of Hormuz

The Dutch frigate Zr.Ms. De Ruyter, which specialises in air defense and command operations, is being moved closer to the Middle East as it could be used to help secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is currently travelling from Southeast Asia towards the area as a precautionary step, Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz told parliament in a written briefing. She underlined that no final decision has been taken on whether the ship will actually be deployed. A minesweeper has already been dispatched to the region in an earlier move.

The Netherlands is actively engaged in preparations for a multinational operation in the Strait of Hormuz, with France and the UK taking the lead, Yeşilgöz said. It was also announced that the Defense ministry is putting its Reaper (MQ-9) drones at NATO’s disposal to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of US drone support.

The systems will be kept on standby for potential NATO operations aimed at defending Europe, including in the event of a Russian attack. The alliance had specifically asked for the drones after the United States decided it would no longer keep them earmarked for European use.

In coordination with allied countries, it has been assessed that a Dutch air-defence and command frigate could play an important role if the mission goes ahead. As a result, the vessel has already set course for the strategic waterway between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, a voyage that is expected to take several weeks.

The Dutch minesweeper Willemstad is currently operating in the Mediterranean as part of a NATO mission focused on locating and clearing sea mines. The ship could also be used in a possible operation in the Strait of Hormuz if needed.

However, any decision to deploy it there or to send additional vessels would require prior approval from the Dutch parliament. Officials have also indicated that such a move would only be considered if the security situation in the region is sufficiently stable.

The Dutch armed forces operate four MQ-9 drones, which are normally based at Leeuwarden Air Base. Yeşilgöz said that several of them can be deployed immediately, although she declined to specify the exact number. Two of the drones are currently deployed in Romania, where they are supporting NATO patrols along the alliance’s eastern border and will remain there until the end of September.

A few weeks ago, the United States informed allies that it would reduce the number of aircraft and naval vessels it keeps available for potential use in the defence of Europe. In response, NATO’s senior military commander called on European member states and Canada to fill the gap left by the scaled-back US contributions.