U.S. Approves $2.19 Billion Sale of 175 Tomahawk Naval Cruise Missiles to Netherlands Navy.

On April 25, 2025, the United States State Department has officially approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Netherlands for Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) and associated equipment, with an estimated total value of $2.19 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification to the U.S. Congress today, marking a significant step in strengthening the Royal Netherlands Navy's precision strike capabilities.
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The U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) conducts a Tomahawk cruise missile flight test while underway in the western Pacific.  (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Under the proposed agreement, the Netherlands has requested the acquisition of up to 163 Tomahawk cruise missiles, Block V All-Up Rounds (AURs), 12 Tomahawk Block IV AURs, two Tomahawk Block IV telemetry missiles, and up to 10 Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control Systems (TTWCS). To ensure full operational deployment, the package also includes satellite data link terminals (KIV-18A), integrated secure broadcast systems (KSX-5), communications security devices (KGV-135A), mission distribution software, missile containers, technical and logistical support, maintenance services, spare parts, training equipment, operational flight tests, publications, and transportation services. RTX Corporation, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, has been named as the principal contractor for the program.

This major procurement will significantly enhance the Netherlands' long-range precision strike capabilities, allowing the Dutch Navy to project power with greater effectiveness and flexibility. The Tomahawk missile, known for its extended standoff range and pinpoint accuracy, provides a crucial strategic advantage in modern warfare scenarios. The Royal Netherlands Navy plans to integrate the Tomahawk missiles onto its fleet, specifically the De Zeven Provinciën-class air-defense and command frigates (LCFs) and their future replacement vessels currently under development. This integration will transform the Royal Netherlands Navy into one of the few European naval forces equipped with deep-strike land attack capabilities, significantly increasing the operational versatility of the Dutch fleet within NATO and coalition operations.

The acquisition notably includes two different versions of the Tomahawk missile: Block IV and Block V. The Tomahawk Block IV, often referred to as the "Tactical Tomahawk," introduced critical improvements over earlier variants, including in-flight retargeting capabilities via satellite link, the ability to loiter over a target area before striking, and enhanced mission planning flexibility. It remains a potent asset for precise, conventional strikes against a variety of high-value targets.

The more recent Block V version of the Tomahawk represents a significant modernization of the missile family. While retaining the core capabilities of the Block IV, the Block V introduces enhanced navigation and communications systems, greater resilience to electronic warfare, and improved ability to penetrate modern integrated air defense systems. Furthermore, the Block V is being fielded in subvariants such as Block Va, equipped with a maritime strike capability to engage moving naval targets, and Block Vb, which features a new multi-effect warhead capable of striking a broader range of hardened or deeply buried land targets with greater effectiveness. Although the Netherlands' order primarily refers to the basic Block V configuration, it ensures a future pathway for possible upgrades to these enhanced subvariants.

The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile itself is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile that has been a mainstay of U.S. and allied strike capabilities for decades. It is launched from both surface ships and submarines and is capable of traveling more than 1,600 kilometers (approximately 1,000 miles) at low altitudes using a combination of inertial navigation, GPS guidance, and terrain contour matching (TERCOM) to achieve high accuracy. The missile carries a 450-kilogram (1,000-pound) conventional warhead and is capable of hitting heavily defended or high-value targets with minimal collateral damage. Its ability to be reprogrammed in-flight to change targets or abort missions adds an unmatched level of operational flexibility.

Key features of the Tomahawk missile include autonomous guidance, pre-programmed multiple target waypoints, low radar cross-section due to its small size and low flight profile, and highly precise terminal guidance systems. The combination of stand-off range, precision, and survivability makes the Tomahawk a critical asset for deep-strike operations in contested environments.

According to the DSCA (Defense Security Cooperation Agency), the Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing the new missiles and related systems into its armed forces structure. This move underscores the country’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities to address evolving global security threats and to maintain interoperability with key allies, particularly within the NATO framework.

Additionally, the sale includes known offset requirements, offering opportunities for industrial collaboration between the United States and the Netherlands. Dutch defense industries are expected to benefit through participation in the support and sustainment phases of the program, reinforcing strategic ties and promoting mutual technological development.

This planned acquisition demonstrates the Netherlands' determination to maintain a modern, capable, and highly interoperable navy, ready to address current and future security challenges in an increasingly complex global threat environment.