On 15 November, during the international exercise Nordic Archer 2011 near Norway, the Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp fired two anti-aircraft missiles at a practice target.
The Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) is used to protect ships from attacking aircraft or missiles.During Nordic Archer 2011, matters such as planning, amphibious operations and traditional military skills were practised. One of these skills was the launching of air defence missiles, in which know-how and experience was shared between NATO partners.
Costs are saved by the participating units each conducting a different test. “It is a good thing to practice launch scenarios on a regular basis,” affirmed the commander of the Dutch maritime task force (COMNLMARFOR), Commodore Peter Lenselink , at the end of the exercise. “It assures the reliability of the weapon system. In my experience, the firing of a surface-to-air missile motivates the crews enormously.”
Participating units
In addition to the two Dutch ships, a Norwegian frigate and a Ula class submarine also participated in the first part of the international exercise. In total, some 800 military personnel and civilians were involved.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 24, 2011; Image: defensie