United States has agreed to sell the latest version of Tomahawk missiles to the Netherlands

The US Department of State has approved the sale of the latest version of Tomahawk cruise missiles to the Netherlands.

This is reported by the official website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The Netherlands sent a request for the purchase of 163 Tomahawk Block V cruise missiles for use on De Zeven Provinciën frigates.

The cost of this purchase is approximately USD 2.19 billion and, in addition to the missiles, also includes additional spare parts and related equipment.

This cost also includes the purchase of satellite terminals for data transmission, communications security, logistics support, documentation and other equipment.

It should be noted that as part of strengthening the maritime component, the Royal Netherlands Navy is modernizing its frigates to use strike weapons.

The modernization involves the installation of eight additional cells in a strike configuration of increased length, which will allow the use of cruise missiles.

In addition, the Dutch frigate De Ruyter has already test-fired a missile of this type to confirm the possibility of using and analyzing the systems and the level of integration. The launch took place off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia.

Tomahawk Block V

The Tomahawk Block V is a modern, high-precision, long-range subsonic cruise missile developed by Raytheon for the U.S. Navy. It has a range of over 1600 km and a speed of about 880 km/h. Its length is 6.25 m, diameter is 0.52 m, wingspan is 2.67 m, weight is about 1588 kg, and the weight of the warhead is up to 450 kg.

The Block Va modification is equipped with an anti-ship guidance system, and Block Vb is equipped with a JMEWS penetrating warhead for destroying fortified targets.

Navigation is carried out using GPS, inertial system, TERCOM and DSMAC, which ensures accuracy within 5-10 meters. The missile is capable of changing targets in flight, barrage over the target area and transmit data on the results of the strike.

Tomahawk Block V was commissioned in 2020; it is actively used in combat operations and exported to allies, including Japan. The cost of one missile ranges from $1.8 to 4.25 million, depending on the modification and contract.