Video:
Belgian Frigate Léopold I (Karel Doorman-class) Testing Seasparrow
Missiles and Main Gun
From 6 to 16 June, Belgian Navy frigate Leopold I took part in two multinational
exercises near Andenes in Northern Norway, beyond the Arctic Circle.
Both exercises were intended to test both anti-surface and anti-ship
missiles defensive techniques. During one of the exercises, the frigate
launched a RIM-7 Seasparrow surface to air missile.
Leopold I Frigate launches a RIM-7 Seasparrow surface to air missile(Picture:
Belgian Navy)
Eleven ships from seven NATO nations (Belgium, Denmark,
France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Turkey) first participated in
an exercise comprising a series of scientific tests. These tests were
used to calculate the radar and infrared signature of the ship. This
will prove usefull to better protect vessels against attacks of modern
missiles. During these tests, the frigate was also able to assess the
effectiveness of its softkill solutions (Chaffs, decoy against incoming
missiles, ...).
During the second week of deployment, the
Leopold I took part in the shooting exercise "Mjoelner
Operation". In this fictional scenario, the United Nations appealed
to NATO to enforce an arms embargo against a fictional country. For
this major exercise, four NATO countries (Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands
and Norway) implemented nine ships (seven frigates and two patrol vessels).
On this occasion, the Leopold
I used its weapons against air and surface threats. In
total, during this exercise, the various countries involved fired three
Harpoon anti-ship missiles, four standard missiles (SM-2) and twelve
missiles Seasparrow surface to air missile. This exercise was of unprecedented
magnitude in European waters.
The Belgian Navy Frigate Leopold I (F930)
is a Karel Doorman class frigate. Prior to March 2007, the ship was
known as the HNLMS Karel Doorman (F827). It is one of the two frigates
of this class that was purchased by Belgium from the Netherlands in
December 2005.
In 2011, the frigate was upgraded: New
means of detection have been added such as the Seastar and Gatekeeper
sensor systems by Thales. Seastar is a non-rotating active phased
array radar for naval surface surveillance. Gatekeeper is a 360°
panoramic electro-optical surveillance and alerter system based on IR/TV
technology.
Late last year, Leopold I was part of the French Navy Charles
de Gaulle task force (TF 50) deployed against the Daech.
Frigates of this class displace 2,800 tonnes and measure 122 meters
long. They can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots. They are equipped
with 8 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, 16 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air
missiles launched from VLS tubes, torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.
Their main gun is a 76mm by Oto Melara. Vessel of the class also have
a Thales Goalkeeper Close-in Weapon System .
