View source for Karel Doorman-class frigate

{{short description|Ship class}}
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{more footnotes|date=October 2024}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
 |Ship image               = HMS Van Amstel F831 USN-8154G-232 cropped.jpg
 |Ship caption             = {{HNLMS|Van Amstel|F831}}}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
 |Name                     = ''Karel Doorman'' class
 |Builders                 = [[Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding]]
 |Operators                = 
*{{navy|Netherlands}}
*{{navy|Belgium}}
*{{navy|Chile}}
*{{navy|Portugal}}
 |Class before             = * Netherlands: {{sclass|Kortenaer|frigate|4}} / {{sclass2|Roofdier|frigate|4}}
* Belgium: {{sclass|Wielingen|frigate|4}}
* Portugal: {{sclass|João Belo|frigate|4}}
 |Class after              = Netherlands & Belgium: [[Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigate (Koninklijke Marine)|ASWF class]]
 |Cost                     = [[Dutch guilder|ƒ]]445 million per unit<ref name="KarelDoormanMS">{{cite web|last = Karremann|first = J.|date = 2018-03-20|df = dmy-all|title = Karel Doormanklasse fregatten (M-gregatten)|url = https://marineschepen.nl/schepen/kareldoorman.html|website = Marineschepen.nl|language = nl|access-date = 2018-03-20}}</ref>
 |Built range              = 1985–1995
 |In commission range      = 1991–present
 |Total ships completed    = 8
 |Total ships active       = 7
 |Total ships laid up      = 1}}

{{Infobox ship characteristics
 |Ship type                = [[Frigate|Multi-purpose frigate]]
 |Ship displacement        = 3,320 tons
 |Ship length              = {{convert|401|ft|m}}
 |Ship beam                = {{convert|47|ft|m}}
 |Ship draught             = {{convert|20|ft|m}}
 |Ship propulsion          =
* [[CODOG|CODOG-propulsion]]
* 2 × [[Rolls-Royce Spey#Marinised versions|Rolls-Royce Spey 1A]], 16,700&nbsp;hp (12.4&nbsp;MW) gas turbines
* 2 × Stork-Werkspoor 12SW280- 4,895&nbsp;hp (3.7&nbsp;MW) + 4 Stork DRO 218K diesel engines
 |Ship speed               = {{convert|30|kn|km/h}}
 |Ship complement          = 154
 |Ship sensors             = 
*[[Thales Group|Thales]] Smart-S Mk.1 long-range 3D surveillance and tracking radar
*Thales LW08 long-range surveillance radar
*Thales SeaWatcher 100 active phased array surface detection and tracking radar (NLD and BE ships only)
*Thales GateKeeper Electro-optical 360° survaillance system (NLD and BE ships only)
*Thales STIR 1.8 Tracking and Illumination Radar system 
*Thales Scout surface surveillance and tactical navigation radar 
*Thales PHS-36 hull-mounted sonar
*Thales Anaconda DSBV 61 VLF passive tactical towed array sonar
*[[Ultra Electronics]] Multi-static Low Frequency Active Passive Sonar (NLD ships only)
 |Ship EW                  = {{ubl|Thales Vigile APX Radar electronic support measures|[[Mark 36 SRBOC]]}}
 |Ship armament            = 
* 16 × [[RIM-7 Sea Sparrow]] anti-air [[Vertical launching system|VLS]]
* 8 × [[Harpoon (missile)|Boeing Harpoon]] anti-ship missile
* 2–6 × [[FN MAG]] 7.62 mm machine gun
* 2–4 × [[Browning M2]] 12.7 mm machine gun
* 2 × Twin-[[Mark 46 torpedo]] tubes
* 1 × [[OTO Melara 76 mm]] gun
* 1 × [[Goalkeeper CIWS]]<!--

-->
 |Ship aircraft facilities = Hangar and flight deck
}}
|}
The '''''Karel Doorman''-class''' frigates are a series of eight multi-purpose vessels built for the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]]. Its namesake is [[Karel Doorman]], a Dutch naval officer whose ship was struck by a Japanese torpedo in the [[Battle of the Java Sea]] in 1942, and [[The captain goes down with the ship|went down with his ship]] as a result.

== Design history ==
In the 1970s, Dutch naval authorities deemed the {{sclass2|Roofdier|frigate|1}}s old, outdated, and therefore in need of replacement. This led to the construction of the ''Karel Doorman''-class frigates in the mid 1980s after the Dutch navy had finalised the design and requirements for the frigates at the end of the 1970s and early 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/kosten-onderzeeboten.html |title=Hoeveel kost de Onderzeedienst? |publisher=marineschepen.nl |date=2013-03-15|language=nl|access-date=2018-03-18}}</ref>

The design of the M-frigates was made in-house at the Royal Netherlands Navy, in close collaboration with construction site De Schelde in Vlissingen and design agency Nevesbu. For the first time stealth techniques were used in the design, such as the sloping walls of the bridge section. Much attention was also paid to the care and facilities for the crew, with more privacy and improved comfort.<ref name="defensieMfregrat">{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/schepen/m-fregatten |title=Multipurposefregat (M-fregat)|publisher=defensie.nl |date=2018-05-03|language=nl|access-date=2018-06-22}}</ref>

The ''Karel Doorman'' class were designed as multi purpose frigates that could perform a wide range of missions. Their armament reflects this by incorporating many features, such as the ability to engage submarines, aircraft and surface vessels.<ref name="navaltechnology">{{cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/karel/ |title=Karel Doorman Class |publisher=www.naval-technology.com |access-date=2018-06-22}}</ref> Besides warfare the armaments can also be used to support anti-drug and piracy operations.

First amongst this class to be launched was {{HNLMS|Karel Doorman|F827|6}}. Laid down in February 1985 and launched in April 1988, it was commissioned by the Dutch navy in May 1991. ''Karel Doorman'' was followed by {{HNLMS|Willem van der Zaan|F829|6}}, {{HNLMS|Tjerk Hiddes|F830|6}}, {{HNLMS|Van Amstel|F831|6}}, {{HNLMS|Abraham van der Hulst|F832|6}}, {{HNLMS|Van Nes|F833|6}}, {{HNLMS|Van Galen|F834|6}}, and {{HNLMS|Van Speijk|F828|6}}. Even while the ships were still under construction, Dutch authorities tried, and ultimately failed, to negiotate purchase orders by interested foreign navies.<ref name="MSexport">Dr. G.A. Rommelse (2008). "Export M-fregatten, 1986-1994: De BV Nederland met vallen en opstaan" (in Dutch). www.militairespectator.nl. Retrieved 2018-06-22.</ref>

However, six decommissioned ''Karel Doorman''-class frigates were eventually bought by the Belgian, Chilean, and Portuguese navies, and the proceeds were subsequently invested in development of the {{sclass|Holland|offshore patrol vessel|1}}.

== Armament ==
These multi-purpose frigates can be used in the [[anti-submarine]], [[anti-aircraft]], or surface combat roles. Their primary surface armament consists of two quad [[RGM-84 Harpoon]] anti-ship launchers with a range of up to {{convert|120|km}}. Also available is an [[OTO Melara 76 mm]] gun, which has both anti-ship and anti-air capabilities.

Air defence is provided by an [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile with a range of up to {{convert|14|km}} Sixteen VLS cells are mounted on the port external bulkhead of the hangar. The [[Goalkeeper CIWS|Goalkeeper close-in weapon system]] provides close-range air defence and can fire up to four thousand {{convert|30|mm}} rounds per minute at a range of {{convert|200|to|3000|m}}.

For anti submarine warfare, each ship is equipped with two twin torpedo launchers, firing [[Mark 46 torpedo]]es; and carries one [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90 NFH]] or [[Westland Lynx]] helicopter. The helicopter is also armed with 2 Mk 46 torpedoes, and carries dipping sonar and forward looking infrared systems.

== List of ships ==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
|-
! colspan="9" |''Karel Doorman'' class construction data
|-
! scope="col"| Ship
! scope="col"| Pennant No.
! scope="col"| Named after
! scope="col"| Builder
! scope="col"| Laid down
! scope="col"| Launched
! scope="col"| Commissioned
! scope="col"| Decommissioned
! scope="col"| Fate

|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Karel Doorman|F827|2}} 
| F827
| [[Karel Doorman]]
| rowspan="8"| [[Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding]]
| 26 February 1985
| 20 April 1988
| 31 May 1991
| 2006
| Sold to Belgium
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Willem van der Zaan|F829|2}}
| F829
| [[Willem van der Zaan]]
| 6 November 1985
| 21 January 1989
| 28 November 1991
| 25 August 2006
| Sold to Belgium
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Tjerk Hiddes|F830|2}} 
| F830
| [[Tjerk Hiddes de Vries]]
| 28 October 1986
| 9 December 1989
| 26 February 1993
| 3 February 2006
| Sold to Chile
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Van Amstel|F831|2}}
| F831
| [[Jan van Amstel (captain)|Jan van Amstel]]
| 3 May 1987
| 19 May 1990
| 27 May 1993
| 
| In active service
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Abraham van der Hulst|F832|2}}
| F832
| [[Abraham van der Hulst]]
| 8 February 1989
| 7 September 1991
| 15 December 1993
| 2004
| Sold to Chile
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Van Nes|F833|2}}
| F833
| [[Aert Jansse van Nes]]
| 10 January 1990
| 16 May 1992
| 2 June 1994
| 20 December 2007
| Sold to Portugal
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Van Galen|F834|2}}
| F834
| [[Johan van Galen]]
| 7 June 1990
| 21 November 1992
| 1 December 1994
| 2009
| Sold to Portugal
|-
| scope="row"| {{HNLMS|Van Speijk|F828|2}}
| F828
| [[Jan van Speyk]]
| 1 October 1991
| 26 March 1994
| 7 September 1995
| 
| [[Laid up]] as of summer 2021<ref>{{Cite web| title = Fregat Van Speijk uit de vaart wegens ernstig personeelstekort| work = [[Algemeen Dagblad]]| access-date = 2023-11-17| date = 2021-04-22| url = https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/fregat-van-speijk-uit-de-vaart-wegens-ernstig-personeelstekort~a35979e6/| language = nl}}</ref>
|}

== Sale to foreign navies ==
=== Chile ===
[[File:Almirante Blanco Encalada (FF-15).jpg|thumb|{{ship|Chilean frigate|Almirante Blanco Encalada|FF-15|2}}]]
In 2004 two ships, ''Tjerk Hiddes'' and ''Abraham van der Hulst'' were sold to Chile and renamed ''Almirante Riveros'' (FF-18) and ''Blanco Encalada'' (FF-15) respectively. ''Blanco Encalada'' commissioned into the [[Chilean Navy]] on 16 December 2005, with ''Almirante Riveros'' to be commissioned in April 2007.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
|-
! scope="col"| Ship
! scope="col"| Pennant No.
! scope="col"| Named after
! scope="col"| Acquired
! scope="col"| Commissioned
! scope="col"| Decommissioned
! scope="col"| Status

|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|Chilean frigate|Almirante Blanco Encalada|FF-15|2}}
| FF-15
| [[Manuel Blanco Encalada]]
| 2004
| 16 December 2005
| 
| In active service
|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|Chilean frigate|Almirante Riveros|FF-18|2}} 
| FF-18
| [[Galvarino Riveros Cárdenas]]
| 3 February 2006
| April 2007
| 
| In active service
|}

=== Belgium ===
[[File:Belgian frigate Louise-Marie in London.jpg|thumb|{{ship|Belgian frigate|Louise-Marie|F931|2}}]]
On 20 July 2005, the Belgian government decided to buy two of the remaining six Dutch M-class frigates to replace the two remaining frigates of the {{sclass|Wielingen|frigate|4}} in service with the [[Belgian Naval Component]], which in turn might be sold to [[Bulgaria]]. On 21 December 2005, ''Karel Doorman'' and ''Willem van der Zaan'' were sold to Belgium and renamed ''Leopold I'' (F930) and ''Louise-Marie'' (F931) respectively. They were recommissioned between 2007 and 2008.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
|-
! scope="col"| Ship
! scope="col"| Pennant No.
! scope="col"| Named after
! scope="col"| Acquired
! scope="col"| Commissioned
! scope="col"| Decommissioned
! scope="col"| Status

|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|Belgian frigate|Leopold I|F930|2}} 
| F930
| [[Leopold I of Belgium]]
| 22 December 2005
| 29 March 2007
| 
| In active service
|-
| scope="row"| {{ship|Belgian frigate|Louise-Marie|F931|2}}
| F931
| [[Louise of Orléans]]
| 22 December 2005
| 8 April 2008
| 
| In active service
|}

=== Portugal ===
[[File:The Portuguese navy frigate NRP Bartolomeu Dias (F-333) (cropped) 01.jpg|thumb|{{Ship|2=Bartolomeu Dias}}]]
In May 2006, Portugal's National Defense Minister, [[Luís Amado]], showed interest in buying two ''Karel Doorman''-class frigates to replace the two remaining frigates of the {{sclass|João Belo|frigate|4}} in service with the [[Portuguese Navy]] — instead of buying two frigates of the {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|4}}, offered by the United States. A committee of the Portuguese government arrived in the Netherlands to evaluate the condition of two frigates to be bought.

On 1 November 2006, the Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Severiano Teixeira signed a contract for the purchase of the frigates {{HNLMS|Van Nes|F833|2}} and {{HNLMS|Van Galen|F834|2}}. ''Van Nes'', renamed NRP ''Bartolomeu Dias'' (F333), was transferred to Portugal on 16 January 2009 and ''Van Galen'', renamed NRP ''Dom Francisco de Almeida'' (F334) was transferred on 15 January 2010. With the sale of two M-class frigates to Portugal only two of the eight ships remain with the Royal Netherlands Navy.<ref name="defensieMfregrat" />

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
|-
! scope="col"| Ship
! scope="col"| Pennant No.
! scope="col"| Named after
! scope="col"| Acquired
! scope="col"| Commissioned
! scope="col"| Decommissioned
! scope="col"| Status

|-
| scope="row"| {{NRP|Bartolomeu Dias|F333|2}} 
| F333
| [[Bartolomeu Dias]]
| 1 November 2006
| 16 January 2009
| 
| In active service
|-
| scope="row"| {{NRP|Dom Francisco de Almeida|F334|2}}
| F334
| [[Francisco de Almeida]]
| 1 November 2006
| 15 January 2010
| 
| In active service
|}

== Modernisation ==
The Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Naval Component decided to upgrade the four frigates by rebuilding both hangar and helicopter deck for the NH90 NFH helicopter as well to replace the forward mast for fitting the new Thales SeaWatcher 100 phased array surface search radar and Gatekeeper electro-optical surveillance system. The first ship to receive the upgrade was ''Van Speijk'' in April 2012, next was ''Leopold I'', followed by ''Van Amstel'' and ''Louise Marie'' is currently undergoing the modernization. SMART-S 3D search radars will not be replaced by SMART-S MK2.

Seawatcher 100 is a non-rotating active phased array radar for naval surface surveillance. The system automatically detects and tracks asymmetric threats and very small objects such as swimmers and periscopes in all weather conditions. Seastar can also be used for helicopter guidance. Seastar is internationally marketed as Sea Watcher 100

Gatekeeper is a 360-degree panoramic electro-optical surveillance and alerter system based on IR/TV technology. Designed to counter emerging asymmetric threats down to small boats and swimmers, Gatekeeper increases short-range situational awareness in littoral environments.

In 2018 the Portuguese Navy decided to modernize its two ''Karel Doorman''-class frigates (Mid-life update), the first frigate started modernization in 2018 and was delivered in September 2021,<ref>{{Cite tweet|title=A fragata NRP Bartolomeu Dias (F333) da 🇵🇹 @defesa_pt @MarinhaPT chega na próxima segunda-feira à Base Naval de Lisboa (BNL) após um período de modernização de meia vida realizado na 🇳🇱.|url=https://twitter.com/defence360/status/1451604715943481352 |author=Defence360° |user=Defence360 |number=1451604715943481352 |language=pt |trans-title=The frigate NRP Bartolomeu Dias (F333) from 🇵🇹 @defesa_pt @MarinhaPT arrives next Monday at Base Naval de Lisboa (BNL) after a half-life modernization period carried out at 🇳🇱.|date=22 October 2021 |access-date=2021-10-25}}</ref> the second frigate started modernization in 2020 and was received in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jornaldaeconomiadomar.com/bartolomeu-modernizada-na-holanda/|title=Fragata Bartolomeu Dias será modernizada na Holanda|language=pt |trans-title=Frigate Bartolomeu Dias will be modernized in the Netherlands |date=2018-04-27|website=Jornal da Economia do Mar|access-date=2019-10-25}}</ref> In November 2024 it was reported that the Portuguese Navy had acquired eight Harpoon Block II conversion kits from the Netherlands.<ref name="AR18112024">{{cite web |url= https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2024/portugal-modernizes-naval-arsenal-with-harpoon-block-ii-missile-kits |title= Portugal Modernizes Naval Arsenal with Harpoon Block II Missile Kits.|author= <!--Not stated-->|date=18 November 2024|website= Army Recognition}}</ref> These kits can be used to convert Harpoon Block I missiles to Block II, which the Portuguese Navy can launch from its modernized ''Karel Doorman'' class frigates.<ref name="AR18112024" />

== Replacement ==
{{main|Future Surface Combatant (Koninklijke Marine)}}
The two multipurpose M-frigates which are still in service with the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] are reaching the end of their life; they were designed to last until 2018/2023. Because of this the Dutch [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Ministry of Defence]] started design studies in 2013. The new frigates are again planned to fulfill a general purpose role with anti-submarine warfare as its specialty. However, since the Netherlands Royal Navy only owns six frigates in total by 2017, the new ships have to be able to perform well in all areas of the spectrum. This means that anti-air equipment also has to be present, in the form of VLS (vertical launch)-cells carrying Standard Missile 2 or ESSM-projectiles. Due to budget cuts, the replacement program was delayed and is now projected to deliver the first ships in 2028–29.

=== First designs ===
In November 2013 on a techbase in Amsterdam a 3D-printed model of one of the designs was shown to the public. The ships were going to be, just like their predecessor, multipurpose-frigates with [[anti-submarine]] being the main task.
This new class is going to have an integrated mast made by [[Thales Nederland]]; the ships of the [[Holland-class offshore patrol vessel|''Holland'' class]] did also get this type of mast. At first this new class was to be replacing the ''Karel Doorman''-class vessels in 2020; however, Minister of Defence [[Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert]] had changed this date to 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://marineschepen.nl/schepen/nieuwe-fregatten-2023.html|title=Vervanger Nederlandse en Belgische M-fregatten|website=Marineschepen.nl}}</ref> This was subsequently further pushed back to the end of the decade.

By 2017, it was made clear the new '[[Future Surface Combatant (Koninklijke Marine)]]' will be developed in cooperation with the Belgian Marine Component and at least four vessels are to be built (two for the Royal Dutch Navy and two for the Belgian Marine Component), with the possibility more will be ordered as soon as the acquisition procedure reaches a more definitive phase.

== See also ==
* [[List of naval ship classes in service]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
* Joris Janssen Lok, 'The Netherlands: Dutch M frigates are ready for action,' [[Jane's Defence Weekly]], 14 October 1995
* {{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/schepen/m-fregatten|title=Multipurposefregat (M-fregat)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306020229/https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/schepen/m-fregatten|archive-date=March 6, 2018|publisher=Dutch Ministry of Defence|language=nl|access-date=March 6, 2018}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.digibron.nl/search/detail/cd74787f6f2fadd8f69fa5cfe8200ede/op-zee-met-m-fregat-hr-ms-karel-doorman|title=Op zee met M-fregat Hr. Ms. Karel Doorman|last=Pasterkamp |first=Riekelt |publisher=Digibron.nl|language=nl|date=July 4, 2001|access-date=March 6, 2018}}
* {{cite book|last=W.H.E.|first=van Amstel|title=De schepen van de Koninklijke Marine vanaf 1945|year=1991|publisher=De Alk|location=Alkmaar|isbn=978-9060139974}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |editor-last1=Gardiner |editor-first1=Robert |editor-last2=Chumbley |editor-first2=Stephen |editor-last3=Budzbon |editor-first3=Przemysław  |date=1995 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995 |location=Annapolis |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=1-55750-132-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Nooteboom |first=S.G. |date=2001 |title=Deugdelijke schepen: marinescheepsbouw 1945-1995 |language=Dutch|edition= |url= |location=Zaltbommel |publisher=Europese Bibliotheek |page= |isbn=90-288-2637-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Rommmelse |first=Gijs  |date=2008 |title='Follow me': de M-fregatten van de Karel Doorman-klasse |location=Franeker |publisher=Van Wijnen |language=Dutch |isbn=978-90-5194-331-3}}


== External links ==
{{Commons category|Karel Doorman class frigates|Karel Doorman class frigate}}
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/karel/ ''Karel Doorman'' class]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080429200915/http://www.scheldeshipbuilding.com/mf.htm  ''Schelde Shipbuilding'': Multipurpose Frigates]

{{Karel Doorman-class frigate|state=collapsed}}
{{Post1945DutchShips}}
{{Ships of the Belgian Navy}}
{{Chilean frigates (Modern Era)}}
{{Portuguese Navy}}

[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:Karel Doorman-class frigates| ]]