During the exercise, Evertsen successfully tracked and neutralized five aerial targets and engaged two Hammerhead unmanned surface vehicles, both of which were hit and sunk. Dutch Navy officials confirmed that the engagements tested the full layered defense concept of the ship, combining radar cueing, command-and-control decision-making, and coordinated weapons employment. The frigate’s armament, which includes the Mk 41 vertical launch system capable of firing SM-2 and ESSM missiles, a 127 mm main gun, and close-in weapon systems, was exercised within realistic rules of engagement designed to mirror combat conditions in contested waters.