Netherlands to arm ships and submarines with Tomahawk missiles
The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile. (Photo: US DoD)
The Royal Netherlands Navy will equip submarines and some of its ships with American Tomahawk missiles to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities.
Plans will see the De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates and two of the four Walrus-class submarines with the missiles.
The Netherlands also plans to equip the four replacement frigates and next-generation submarines with Tomahawk in the 2030s.
In a letter to the Dutch Parliament, dated 3 April, the Dutch Defence Secretary of Defence Christophe van der Maat wrote that the country needed to strengthen in armed forces due to deteriorating international security.
The acquisition of the maritime missiles is part of a wider push for long-range weapons and rocket artillery across the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Plans are
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter]()
US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
