The frigate was named after Dutch naval hero Michiel de Ruyter.

The keel laying took place on 22 December 1971 and the launching on 9 March 1974.

[1] The De Ruyter and the frigates Callenburgh, Jan van Brakel, Van Kinsbergen and the replenishment ship Poolster departed from Den Helder on 13 January 1986 for a trip to the Far East to show the flag and promote Dutch trade.

[2] During the mid-90s the ship was part of Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) and helped to enforce an embargo for the coast of Yugoslavia.

The bridge with radar dome of De Ruyter are preserved at the Dutch Navy Museum in Den Helder.