Van Speijk was laid down at Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Vlissingen on 1 October 1991, launched 26 March 1994, and commissioned 7 September 1995. Starting in 2010 this ship underwent an upgrade program (called 'IPM') and was fitted with new mast section with new sensors like: Seastar (small target radar system) and Gatekeeper, a new combat computer system (Linux based), new computer networks, communication equipment, enlarged helicopter deck to allow the NH90 helicopter to land and many other changes. The biggest visual change is the new, bigger mast custom built by the Navy's maintenance establishment the 'Marinebedrijf'. HNLMS Van Speijk was the first of four ships to get this update, from both Belgian and Dutch Navy. A new towed sonar will be fitted next few years in a new large maintena