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
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
-
![Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
-
![UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats]()
UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats
Naval vessels are at high risk when in harbour, port or dockside and the threat from asymmetric attacks has been shown in the Ukraine war against Russian ships. A demonstration of combined systems in the UK hoped to show a potential solution to defence, government and commercial delegates.
-
![Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing]()
Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing
After troubled progress with the Littoral Combat Ship programme, the US Navy plans to commission USS Pierre (LCS 38) this autumn.
