Karel Doorman class frigate

The Karel Doorman class is a class of eight multi-purpose frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The class is also known as the "Multi-purpose" or "M" class.

Sales to Chilean and Belgian Navies

In 2004, 2 of the ships were sold to Chile. HNLMS Abraham Van Der Hulst (F832) and HNLMS Tjerk Hiddes (F830) are to be delivered to Chile in June 2005 and August 2006.

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On July 20, 2005, the Belgian governement decided to buy two of the remaining six Dutch M-class frigates to replace the two remaining frigates of the Wielingen class (Wielingen and Westdiep) currently in service with the Belgian Navy which in turn might be sold to Bulgaria. The two ships will be sold for about 250 million euro. The sale however will only take place if the Dutch Parliament accedes to it.

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