Dutch Navy Successfully Launches Tomahawk Missile For The First Time

Image Credits: Dutch Navy/X
For the first time in history, the Royal Netherlands Navy has successfully fired a Tomahawk cruise missile from one of its warships.

The test launch took place off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, with the Dutch Navy working in collaboration with the US Navy.

The missile was launched from HNLMS De Ruyter, an air defense and command frigate belonging to the De Zeven Provincien class. The launch makes the Netherlands only the fourth country to ever fire a Tomahawk.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that the test was conducted to gather critical operational data, which will support the full integration of these missiles into the Dutch fleet.

The Tomahawk cruise missile is known for its long-range precision strike capability, capable of hitting targets over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away.

This allows the Dutch Navy to engage high-value targets deep inside enemy territory, including command centers, anti-aircraft systems, and military installations.

A defense official said that adding Tomahawk missiles enhances the Dutch Navy’s firepower and deterrence capabilities, making it better equipped to respond to evolving global security threats.

State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman stated that strengthening deterrence requires powerful weapons. He called the test an important step in boosting the Dutch Navy’s ability to strike effectively in a changing world.

The De Zeven Provincien-class frigate are the primary warship of the Royal Netherlands Navy. These ships measure approximately 473 feet (144 meters) in length, have a beam of 61 feet (18.6 meters) and a full displacement of 6,600 tons.

Their primary armament includes a 40 cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS), which was originally designed for air defense missiles such as the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIIA.

They are also equipped with:

Eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles
Two twin launchers for Mk 46 torpedoes
A 127mm Oto Breda naval gun
Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems (CIWS)
A hangar for an NH90 helicopter

The successful Tomahawk test confirms that the Mk 41 system can now accommodate long-range strike missions, expanding the ship’s operational role beyond air defense.

In April 2023, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced plans to modernise its long-range firepower. A government official at the time stated that the war in Ukraine has proven the importance of strike capabilities over short, medium and long distances.

The country is also modernising its submarine fleet. It has signed an agreement for four new conventionally powered submarines, which will also be armed with Tomahawks.

Dutch officials have also expressed concerns about reliance on US military technology, particularly regarding the F-35 program.

The government assured that there is no risk of the US limiting Dutch access to these fighter jets, despite speculation in European media.

The Netherlands has ordered 52 F-35A fighters and in September 2024, it announced plans to purchase six more aircraft to strengthen its air power.

Reference: Dutch Navy

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