Design history
In the 1970s, Dutch naval authorities deemed the s old, outdated, and therefore in need of replacement. This led to the construction of the ''Karel Doorman''-class frigates in the mid 1980s after the Dutch navy had finalised the design and requirements for the frigates at the end of the 1970s and early 1980s. The design of the M-frigates was made in-house at the Royal Netherlands Navy, in close collaboration with construction site De Schelde in Vlissingen and design agency Nevesbu. For the first time stealth techniques were used in the design, such as the sloping walls of the bridge section. Much attention was also paid to the care and facilities for the crew, with more privacy and improved comfort. The ''Karel Doorman'' class were designed as multi purpose frigates that could perform a wide range of missions. Their armament reflects this by incorporating many features, such as the ability to engage submarines, aircraft and surface vessels. Besides warfare the armaments can also be used to support anti-drug and piracy operations. First amongst this class to be launched was . Laid down in February 1985 and launched in April 1988, it was commissioned by the Dutch navy in May 1991. ''Karel Doorman'' was followed by , , , , , , and . Even while the ships were still under construction, Dutch authorities tried, and ultimately failed, to negiotate purchase orders by interested foreign navies.Dr. G.A. Rommelse (2008). "Export M-fregatten, 1986-1994: De BV Nederland met vallen en opstaan" (in Dutch). www.militairespectator.nl. Retrieved 2018-06-22. However, six decommissioned ''Karel Doorman''-class frigates were eventually bought by the Belgian, Chilean, and Portuguese navies, and the proceeds were subsequently invested in development of the .Armament
These multi-purpose frigates can be used in the