Royal Netherlands Navy Frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) Arrives in Tokyo Port

On Monday, June 15, 2026, the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) arrived at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in Tokyo Port (Commander: Roger de Wit). This marks the third deployment of a Dutch naval vessel to the Indo-Pacific region under the Netherlands' 2020 'Indo-Pacific Guidelines,' following the frigate HNLMS Tromp's visit in 2024, making this the first Dutch naval visit in two years. The deployment underscores the Netherlands' responsible engagement in safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waters amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. It also aims to uphold the maritime order based on international law, promote regional stability, and strengthen ties with like-minded nations.

Accompanying the frigate's arrival, Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius and Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Lieutenant General Harold Leupen, visited Japan. The Minister stated, 'In today’s security environment, regional tensions are no longer confined to one area. Japan is a key partner for the Netherlands, and this port call deepens mutual trust and defense cooperation, contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific.' She emphasized that the visit reflects the long-standing friendship and solid foundation of defense collaboration between Japan and the Netherlands. The frigate is scheduled to remain in Japan until Wednesday, June 17.

[Frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804)]

One of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s primary vessels for fleet air defense and command-and-control missions, the De Ruyter is equipped with advanced radar systems and long-range air defense capabilities. Departing from Den Helder, the Netherlands, on April 12, 2026, the frigate is deployed to the Indo-Pacific via the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans, before returning to the Netherlands via the Caribbean and Atlantic in a global circumnavigation mission. During this voyage, the ship, along with its embarked NH90 naval helicopter, conducts joint exercises and exchanges with partner nations across Europe, NATO members, the Indo-Pacific, Asia, and the Caribbean to enhance interoperability and strengthen international security cooperation.

[The Netherlands and the Indo-Pacific Region]

As a maritime and trading nation, maintaining a free and open maritime order is of vital importance to the Netherlands. The security of sea lanes underpinning the global economy has become increasingly critical amid rising geopolitical tensions and complex security challenges. Guided by its own 'Indo-Pacific Guidelines,' the Netherlands is deepening cooperation with the region across diverse fields including economy, security, and climate change. Anchored in shared values such as the rule of law, freedom of navigation, and an open international order, the Netherlands aims to contribute to peace and stability in the region.

Japan and the Netherlands share over 400 years of diplomatic and cultural exchange and are now strategic partners collaborating across security, economy, science and technology, and culture. This port call symbolizes the further development of bilateral friendship and defense cooperation, marking a significant new step in Japan-Netherlands relations.

[Japan-Netherlands Security and Defense Cooperation]

This joint training is part of the 'Japan-Netherlands Action Plan 2025,' established under the 'Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Peace and Prosperity' agreed upon by both nations' prime ministers in April 2025. It contributes to advancing one of the plan’s priority areas: 'Addressing Global Challenges to Peace and Development.'

* https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100833294.pdf

Left: Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius; Center: Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy Lieutenant General Harold Leupen; Right: Commander Roger de Wit, Royal Netherlands Navy

* Official photo from the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate arrival ceremony on June 15 (Monday)