Netherlands to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles for submarines and frigates

The Netherlands has decided to strengthen its defence capabilities not only with JASSM missiles for F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighters and PULS multiple-launch rocket systems. The European kingdom plans to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles for frigates and submarines.

Here's What We Know

The Netherlands wants to expand the capabilities of the Navy in terms of the range of fire against enemy targets. Details of the potential deal are not yet publicised, so we don't know the possible number of missiles or the version.

If the sale of the Tomahawk is approved in all stages, including by the US State Department and Congress, the Netherlands could move on to test-firing the cruise missiles in late 2024 or early 2025. The Tomahawk will be carried by the Dutch Navy's De Zeven Provinciënklasse class frigates as well as the Walrusklasse class submarines. Both frigates and submarines will have to be upgraded before the US cruise missiles can be installed.

We noted above that there is no information yet about which versions of the Tomahawk the Netherlands is considering to buy. However, it is worth recalling that the latest versions of the cruise missile are not designed to be launched from a submarine. In addition, the Walrusklasse class submarines will be retired in the next decade. The equipping of De Zeven Provinciënklasse frigates with missiles will last from 2025 to 209.

As a final reminder, the Tomahawk has begun to grow in popularity. Japan will spend $1.6 billion to buy 400 Block V level missiles and will upgrade all Aegis destroyers to launch them by 2027. Australia, meanwhile, plans to order 200 Block V and 20 Block IV missiles.

Source: Marine Schepen