The United States State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands for Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and related equipment, with an estimated cost of $2.19 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the proposed sale.
The Netherlands has requested to purchase up to 163 Tomahawk Block V All Up Rounds (AURs), 12 Tomahawk Block IV AURs, up to 10 Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control Systems (TTWCS), and up to 2 Tomahawk Block IV telemetry missiles. The sale also includes non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items such as satellite data link terminals (KIV-18A), integrated secure broadcast systems (KSX-5), and communications security devices (KGV-135A).
Additional elements covered in the sale include technical, programmatic, engineering, and logistical support for the Tomahawk AUR missiles, TTWCS, and Mission Distribution Software. The package also provides missile containers, software, hardware, training and training devices, unscheduled missile maintenance, spares, communication equipment, operational flight tests, publications, and engineering and technical expertise.
The DSCA stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” The agency added: “The proposed sale will improve the Netherland’s capability to meet current and future threats by utilizing long-range, conventional surface-to-surface missiles with significant standoff range that can neutralize growing threats.”
The Dutch Ministry of Defence recently confirmed a successful test launch of a Tomahawk missile by the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate Zr.Ms. De Ruyter off the coast of Norfolk, United States. This marked the first time a Dutch naval ship launched a Tomahawk missile, under the leadership of the United States Navy and in cooperation with a Dutch Defence project team.
The Dutch Navy stated that the test gathered essential information to enable future Tomahawk launches from air defence and command frigates. With Tomahawk long-range weapons, the Netherlands can engage strategic targets deep inland from the sea, including command centres, air defence installations, and enemy units.
The Tomahawk missile has a range of over 1,000 kilometres, providing the Royal Netherlands Navy with enhanced combat power. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, this additional capability contributes to the deterrence of potential adversaries.
According to the DSCA, the Netherlands is expected to absorb these articles and services without difficulty into its armed forces. It was also confirmed that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, will serve as the principal contractor for the proposed sale. The DSCA noted that there are known offset requirements associated with this transaction, with further details provided in an attached annex.
