HMS Zulu was launched on 3 July 1962 and commissioned on 17 April 1964. Zulu was the only Tribal built with Sea Cat; her six sister frigates were built with two Bofors Guns and fitted with the Sea Cat system during later refits

In 1966, Zulu took part in the Beira Patrol.

 In 1974, Zulu deployed to the West Indies and was on station when Guatemala threatened to annex Belize the following year, Zulu steamed to the area from an American port to augment British forces. Such was the urgency that Zulu left 20 sailors behind

In 1977 she was part of the 4th Frigate Squadron and later that year, Zulu formed part of the eight-ship Group 6 deployment, led by HMS Tiger, on naval exercises in the Far East.

 Zulu was reduced to reserve in 1979 and placed on the disposal list in 1981. During the Falklands War, Zulu was taken out of reserve and prepared for active service. She operated in home waters, West Indies Guard Ship and, in 1983, became the Gibraltar Guardship. 

Before decommissioning in 1984, Zulu fired the Royal Navy's last "full" broadside before being sold to Indonesia