Netherlands sets out schedule for naval point defence after Goalkeeper
Combination of RAM and DART is envisaged to replace existing close-in weapon system for Dutch naval vessels after 2025.
The Dutch government has finalised plans for a successor system to the Goalkeeper CIWS.
‘Now that the investigation has been completed, the purchase contracts need to be settled. They will probably be closed in 2022,’ the MoD announced on 14 January.
The new system will be installed on both Royal Netherlands Navy Rotterdam-class landing platform dock vessels, as well as the joint logistics support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman and the two Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates planned to enter service in 2028-2030.
A budget of €100 million to €250 million is required for the new CIWS.
HNLMS Den Helder — a new combat support ship to be delivered to the RNLN in 2024 — is also expected to feature the new-generation CIWS ‘but is not yet provided with it for budgetary reasons’, the MoD noted.
Defence minister Barbara Visser explained that the Thales-made Goalkeeper is approaching the end of its service life in 2025, despite completion of a modernisation programme in 2018.
The Dutch MoD and defence research organisation TNO assessed the threat to naval vessels from anti-ship missiles, unguided missiles, UAVs and piloted aircraft, as well as highly manoeuvrable attack boats armed with a variety of weapon systems.
They identified two types of ammunition for any successor point defence system to Goalkeeper: the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), which requires a shipboard launcher; and the DART sub-calibre guided projectile fired from a OTO Melara 76mm gun.
RAM has minimal shipboard control systems and will be autonomous after launch, whereas DART will be guided to its target by the BEL-Thales Pharos radar. Thales Nederland will make the radar and fire control for both systems.
Most components for the new CIWS will be available from 2025, apart from Pharos which is expected to be installed from 2028. The MoD admitted that the RNLN will only initially have a partial capability but the new system ‘already means a significant improvement over the Goalkeeper’.
About 70 units of the CIWS have been delivered to navies worldwide, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
