Dutch navy launches Tomahawk missile enhancing strategic reach
The Dutch navy has confirmed a successful launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile from one of its frigates for the first time. The Netherlands now joins a select group of countries using this long-range weapon.
The Tomahawk is an American tactical cruise missile, previously associated primarily with the AUKUS alliance comprising the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. Until this point, only these countries possessed Tomahawk missiles. The Netherlands has become the fourth nation to acquire them, prioritising their purchase in 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This was deemed more crucial than acquiring tanks, which the Netherlands currently does not possess and will address by 2027.
Tomahawk missiles enhance the military potential of the Netherlands
The Dutch navy conducted its exercises in the Atlantic Ocean near Norfolk, in cooperation with the United States navy. These exercises were part of the process of "gathering necessary information" before the operational deployment of Tomahawks on board Dutch frigates.
"The Tomahawk long-range weapons allow the Navy to take out (strategic) targets deep inland from the sea. Examples include command centers, anti-aircraft installations, and enemy units. The missiles have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers [621 miles]. The weapon gives the Royal Netherlands Navy additional combat power. This helps deter potential adversaries," stated the Dutch Ministry of Defence in a communiqué.
Powerful long-range weapon
The first Tomahawk cruise missile launch was facilitated by the participation of the HNLMS De Ruyter frigate, a De Zeven Provinciën class ship. The Dutch navy operates several such ships, which are over 460 feet long with a displacement exceeding 6,000 tons.
The Tomahawk cruise missile is regarded as one of the most valuable weapons a warship can carry, due to its long range and high accuracy. The Netherlands aimed to acquire the latest variant – Block V.
"Strong deterrence requires strong weapons. De Ruyter launched a Tomahawk missile for the first time. An important step to give our navy the striking power it needs in a changing world," wrote the Dutch Secretary of State for Defence, Gijs Tuinman, following the manoeuvres.
