The Karel Doorman-class frigate HrMs Van Speijk has become the first of the four M frigates in Dutch and Belgian naval service to receive a new mast as part of the IP-MF mid-life refit programme.
The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) ship commenced sea trials in June after emerging from the Marinebedrijf yard in Den Helder with its distinctive mast, which incorporate Thales Nederland's Seastar active-phased array radar (APAR).
BNS Leopold I , the first of the two frigates operated by the Belgian Maritime Component, is undergoing its year-long refit in Den Helder; HrMs Van Amstel is scheduled to start IP-MF work in the fourth quarter of 2012; and the final ship, BNS Louise-Marie , is expected to complete its modernisation in 2014.
The IP-MF programme includes electronic and software upgrades to the combat management system and the installation of new navigation, tactical datalink and identification friend-or-foe systems. The flight deck and hangar are being strengthened and enlarged respectively to allow the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter to be embarked.
However, the most prominent feature is the new mast and its non-rotating Seastar APAR for surface surveillance, which automatically detects and tracks asymmetric threats and small objects.
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