The German Navy is actively exploring the possibility of arming its warships with Tomahawk cruise missiles, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the naval fleet’s combat capabilities amid evolving geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, the Inspector of the German Navy, expressed optimism about this initiative, stating, “We are currently examining the possibility of equipping our naval units with Tomahawks. And that doesn’t look bad at all.”
Specifics regarding the implementation of this plan remain scarce, but reports suggest that the Navy’s Class 123 and Class 124 frigates could be among the platforms equipped with this significant capability. Notably, the advanced Tomahawk missile is already part of the armament for the upcoming Type 127 frigate within the German naval arsenal. Currently, the Tomahawk is utilized by only a select few navies worldwide, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Recent developments also tie into the unveiling of the German Navy’s “Course Marine” strategy, which emphasizes improving the inland strike capabilities of naval forces. Vice Admiral Kaack highlighted the importance of maritime strike capabilities in supporting other branches of the armed forces, particularly during operations in regions like the Baltic Sea. The strategy aims to prepare the Navy to effectively target long-range enemy installations that pose an anti-access or area denial threat.
At present, the German Navy’s Class 130 corvettes are equipped with the RBS 15 anti-ship missile and are theoretically capable of carrying out inland strikes. However, the RBS 15’s range of approximately 300 kilometers falls short when compared to the Tomahawk Block IV, which boasts a striking range of 900 nautical miles (1,667 kilometers).
To enhance the overall strike capability across all naval platforms, the Course Marine strategy outlines a requirement for integration with modular, containerized weapon systems, as well as an increase in the available ammunition stockpile. The strategy envisions the inclusion of fast, stealthy platforms, both manned and unmanned, to enable effective operations from short to medium ranges, thereby minimizing the response time for potential adversaries.
In related updates, Vice Admiral Kaack announced plans for the acquisition of the BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle, which has undergone testing by the naval service in 2024. The initiative also includes the integration of unmanned platforms across all relevant German naval vessels, further modernizing the fleet’s operational capabilities.
