U.S. Approves $2.19 Billion Sale of Tomahawk Missiles to Netherlands
The U.S. State Department has authorized the potential Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) and associated equipment on April 25, 2025. The complete estimated value of this deal amounts to $2.19 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) provided the necessary certification to U.S. Congress for advancing this sale. The defense agreement seeks to boost the Royal Netherlands Navy’s precision strike capabilities.
Under the proposed agreement, the Netherlands has requested up to 163 Tomahawk 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). 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, based in Tucson, Arizona, has been named the principal contractor for the program.
The Royal Netherlands Navy intends to incorporate Tomahawk missiles into the De Zeven Provinciën-class air-defense and command frigates (LCFs) as well as upcoming vessel designs. Plans to equip the frigates with Tomahawks were originally mooted in 2005 but rejected. The vessels are already equipped with 40-cell Mk 41 strike-length vertical launching systems so integration will not be an issue. The Netherlands will establish itself as one of the few European navies with deep-strike land attack capabilities through this integration which boosts their operational capabilities within NATO and coalition operations.
The purchase contains both Block IV and Block V variants of the Tomahawk system. With its designation “Tactical Tomahawk” the Block IV provides forces with the ability to redirect missions during flight as well as extended loiter functions and improved tactical versatility through its improved sensor set. The Block V system delivers navigation upgrades together with modernized communication features while also providing stronger electronic warfare resistance as well as advanced penetration capabilities for air defense systems. These future upgrades to Block Va and Vb variants will enable them to engage moving naval targets and hardened ground targets.
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a subsonic cruise weapon which can travel more than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) during its flight. The missile operates using inertial navigation and GPS guidance together with terrain contour matching (TERCOM) for precise targeting and carries a 450-kilogram (1,000-pound) conventional warhead. The missile maintains autonomous control systems and stealth features while allowing programmers to select multiple destinations before flight and receive new instructions during active operations which make it suitable for deep penetration missions in hostile territories.
Although no additional U.S. government personnel will be assigned to the Netherlands as part of this deal, offset agreements are expected, creating opportunities for industrial collaboration between U.S. and Dutch defense industries. This collaboration will help reinforce strategic ties and promote mutual technological development, benefiting both countries.