“The aim is to observe everything that’s happening in the area, at sea, and in the air,” said Tromp frigate commander Dennis Oorburg.
The Netherlands has launched “Operation Orange Shield” to safeguard the upcoming NATO summit, deploying over 10,000 personnel, including police, military forces, air defense units, and naval assets. The summit, set to begin Wednesday at The Hague’s World Forum, will host around 6,000 delegates from 32 nations, including U.S. President Donald Trump, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Seven Dutch navy frigates will be active in what officials describe as the country’s most extensive security operation. “The aim is to observe everything that’s happening in the area, at sea, and in the air,” said Tromp frigate commander Dennis Oorburg. Cybersecurity threats are also being monitored, according to counterterrorism head Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg.
King Willem-Alexander will host a state dinner Tuesday, with Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy invited. Protests, including from Extinction Rebellion and pro-Palestinian groups, are expected but will be permitted “within the limits of the law.” NATO’s 5% defense spending goal will be a key issue.