The Netherlands is planning to purchase American Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of an effort to increase the strike range of its navy. However, new details make it clear that this process is not so simple and will take time.

The Dutch Marineschepen reported this.

Despite the political decision of the Netherlands to obtain American long-range cruise missiles, this purchase is still pending approval by the US House of Representatives through Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

Besides, it is necessary to conduct a number of tests to determine the possibility of integration and design changes to install cruise missiles on board frigates and submarines.

According to preliminary plans, part of the test program should include a test launch of missiles in 2024 or early 2025.

Readiness for 2027 and 2029

Although the Tomahawks have not yet been ordered, the Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that the cruise missiles will enter production “for LC frigates from 2026”. All four frigates currently in service with the country will be equipped with the latest missiles after the modernization conducted within their next maintenance, which will take place between 2025 and 2029.

Two of the four Walrus-class submarines are planned to be modernized to use these new weapons. However, the integration of missiles will also depend on the availability of Tomahawk missiles in the underwater launch from torpedo tube modification.

Launching missiles from torpedo tubes has for years been a common practice for US and British submarines. However, newer Tomahawk missiles no longer have this ability, as new US submarines only launch these missiles vertically.

As the Dutch Navy will gradually decommission the Walrus class submarines in the 2030s, it is possible that it will take too long to adapt them to the new weapons. Then they will be deployed on new advanced submarines.

“Modified Tomahawks are needed in any case for new submarines,” the Secretary of State shared.

To reduce the cost of the project, the Netherlands is looking to partner with other countries that purchase or are considering purchasing this weapon for their submarines. The UK is viewed as one of the potential options for such cooperation.

“The British Navy has experience using Tomahawk on submarines and has a simulation center that the Dutch Navy might be able to use. Discussions with the British side on this are currently ongoing,” the Dutch Ministry of Defense stated.