Active Phased Array Radar

In November 2003, approximately 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the Azores, the missile guidance capabilities were tested with live firings for the first time.

[3] Further live firings were performed by the RNLN's HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën in March 2005, again in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 180 nautical miles (330 km) west of the Azores.

[3] The long-range SM-2 engagement apparently resulted in an intercept at a range of greater than 100 km from the ship, with a missile-target miss distance of 2,4m/8 feet (the warhead's proximity fuse having been disabled for the purposes of the test).

[3] APAR is typically paired with Thales Nederland's SMART-L passive electronically scanned array radar (which operates at L band frequencies).

[The RNLN has] reported great success using tailored surface-search software for the APAR sets fitted to the De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates deployed on anti-piracy roles.

[5]The exploits of the RNLN's De Zeven Provinciën class frigate HNLMS Tromp in regards to counter-piracy operations — including the April 2010 rescue of the container ship MV Taipan — are described here.