The Tromp class was a class of ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The hull shape was also known as the Argonaut 600. They were designed as "flotilla leaders" and their intended role was to be the backbone of a squadron of modern destroyers that was planned at the same time. The ships were ordered in 1935; Tromp was launched in 1937, and her sister ship Jacob van Heemskerck in 1939. Often referred to as 'light cruisers', they were significantly smaller and less capable than most light cruisers of the era.

A flotilla leader was a warship of late 19th century and early 20th century navies suitable for commanding a flotilla of destroyers or other small warships, typically a small cruiser or a large destroyer. The flotilla leader provided space, equipment and staff for the flotilla commodore, including a wireless room, senior engineering and gunnery officers, and administrative staff to support the officers. Originally, older light or scout cruisers were often used, but in the early 1900s, the rapidly increasing speed of new destroyer designs meant that such vessels could no longer keep pace with their charges. Accordingly, large destroyer designs were produced for use as leaders.