HNLMS De Ruyter and De Zeven Provinciën were the last cruisers of the Royal Netherlands Navy. In a period most ships were transferred from abroad (UK and USA), they were the largest post-war naval ships of Dutch manufacture. For years they were besides aircraft carrier Karel Doorman flagships. Construction of both ships started before World War II, but they did not enter service until 1953. After twenty years of service they were sold to Peru.

In May 1973 De Ruyter was renamed Almirante Grau. Modernizations 1985-88 and 1993-96. Decommissioned September 2017 (served 44 years with the Armada Peruana) to become a museum ship.

In August 1976 De Zeven Provinciën was renamed Aguirre. RIM-2 Terrier SAM removed, replaced by a hangar with large flight deck for three ASH-3D Sea King helicopters. Decommissioned 1999.