In a significant shift towards bolstering its military capabilities, the Dutch government is advocating for the development of a domestically produced long-range missile akin to the US Tomahawk. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman emphasized the urgency of creating a homegrown precision strike system, asserting that the Netherlands can no longer rely on foreign suppliers for long-range deterrence.
This call to action coincides with increasing defense budgets and the ongoing focus on new military equipment. Notable among these advancements is the planned industrial production of advanced reconnaissance drones, which were successfully utilized by the 43rd Brigade in Ukraine.
While the introduction of these drones marks a progressive step, Tuinman insisted that they are not a standalone solution. He proposed that several Dutch defense companies collaborate to develop a simplified, cost-effective alternative to the Tomahawk missile. The intent is to produce a missile that can be manufactured rapidly in large quantities, allowing for deployment within a matter of months.
Tuinman reassured industry stakeholders that should they deliver an effective design, the government would be committed to a multi-year procurement plan. This initiative could also attract interest from European nations, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, all of which are exploring affordable options for precision strikes.
The US Tomahawk cruise missile has long set a standard in long-range precision warfare, prompting numerous allies to invest in the system. The United Kingdom, for example, has effectively deployed Tomahawks from submarines in various conflict zones, reinforcing its status as a key operator. Similarly, Australia is securing Tomahawk missiles for its Hobart-class destroyers as part of a broader modernization of its long-range strike capabilities.
Recently, Japan has also entered the fray, approving the procurement of Tomahawks to enhance its stand-off strike capacity in light of escalating security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the Netherlands takes bold steps to establish its own missile capabilities, the push for domestic production reflects a broader trend among nations seeking to enhance their military independence and responsiveness in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
