Germany Seeks to Strengthen Fleet with Tomahawk Missiles

The German Navy is exploring the possibility of acquiring American Tomahawk cruise missiles to enhance the long-range capabilities of its surface forces.

The publication Hartpunkt reported on this.

The potential purchase of the missiles is part of a large-scale modernization program for the German Navy, which involves equipping F127-class frigates and upgraded F123/124 frigates with these missiles.

Both classes of surface vessels are equipped with Mk 41 vertical launch systems, which, in their extended version, are compatible with American cruise missiles.

“We are currently considering the possibility of equipping our naval units with Tomahawks. And it looks quite promising,” Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Chief of the German Navy, stated.

Although the final decision on the purchase has not yet been made, discussions include the potential acquisition of Tomahawk Block V missiles, which feature improved accuracy and the ability to retarget mid-flight.

This aligns with the trend seen in other European countries, such as the Netherlands, which has already ordered these missiles for its frigates and submarines, as well as the United Kingdom, which is upgrading its existing arsenal to the latest version.

In addition to the potential enhancement of strike capabilities with American missiles, Germany, together with Norway, is developing a Super Sonic Strike Missile (3SM) Tyrfing, with a range of 800–1000 km, which is set to complement existing weapon systems. These missiles are expected to enter service after 2035.

It is worth noting that, in addition to enhancing the strike capabilities of its surface fleet, Germany is implementing a joint program to develop ground-based long-range missiles with a range of over 2000 km.

The new missile is being developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom, and the work is based on agreements made in 2024, when the two countries signed a defense pact to strengthen security in Europe amid the Russian threat.

Militarnyi previously reported that the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of the latest version of Tomahawk cruise missiles to the Netherlands. The Netherlands sent a request for the purchase of 163 Tomahawk Block V cruise missiles for use on De Zeven Provinciën frigates.

The HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) has become the first ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy to launch a Tomahawk cruise missile, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The test launch took place on March 11 off the east coast of the United States, near Norfolk.