A recent test launch marked a significant milestone for the Royal Netherlands Navy as it successfully fired a Tomahawk cruise missile from the HNLMS De Ruyter, an air defense and command frigate. This launch, conducted off the coast of Norfolk in the United States, is part of an information-gathering initiative aimed at enhancing the integration of the Tomahawk missile system into the Dutch naval fleet.
Currently, the only European operator of the Tomahawk missile system is the Royal Navy, making this development particularly notable for the Netherlands. The procurement of the Tomahawk, announced by the Dutch government earlier this year, underscores a broader initiative to bolster the country’s military capabilities. The missile boasts an impressive range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), with the Block IV Tomahawk Land Attack variant capable of striking targets even further—up to 1,609 kilometers (1,000 miles) away.
According to a press release from the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD), the introduction of the Tomahawk missile will empower the navy to engage targets beyond the horizon. Possible objectives include command centers, anti-aircraft installations, and enemy troop positions, thereby enhancing deterrence against potential threats. The MoD highlighted that the increased combat capabilities provided by the Tomahawk missile play a vital role in reinforcing the Netherlands’ defense posture.
The missile acquisition is part of a broader defense investment strategy by the MoD, which includes other advanced weaponry such as the Israeli PULS (Precise and Universal Launch System) and the JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range). The Tomahawk missile is expected to significantly augment the firepower of the De Zeven Provincien-class frigates, which are currently equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles that have a range of around 100 kilometers (62 miles).
In addition to the frigates, the Tomahawk missiles will also be installed on the Dutch Navy’s three Walrus-class submarines, expanding the operational reach of the fleet. The first of the De Zeven Provincien-class frigates is projected to be outfitted with this missile by 2027, while the submarines are expected to follow suit by 2029.
Looking forward, the Dutch government has earmarked a budget of up to 2.5 billion euros (approximately $2.71 billion) for cruise missile procurement over the next 12 years, signaling a robust commitment to modernizing and strengthening the military capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
