Russian Jets Showed Missiles, Bombs to Intimidate Dutch Warship in Black Sea

In a show of might, Russian fighter aircraft armed with missiles and bombs tried to intimidate HNLMS Evertsen (F805) De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Black Sea.

That incident occurred last Thursday when the naval vessel was south-east of Crimea.

The planes repeatedly harassed the warship between about 3.30 pm and 8.30 pm local time. They flew dangerously low and close, performing feint attacks. The fighters were armed with bombs and so-called air-to-surface missiles, intended to fire at a target from the air. After hours of intimidation, disruptions to electronic equipment of the Evertsen also took place, Netherlands Ministry of Defence said in a release.

The Russian actions violated the right to the free use of the sea. In addition, they go against mutual agreements, as laid down in the INCSEA treaty. The agreement must prevent unsafe situations at sea, the ministry added.

The warship is part of the UK Carrier Strike Group. The air defense and command frigate patrols the Black Sea with the British HMS Defender. The ships practice with allies from the region and visit some ports.