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Breaking News: First Tomahawk Missile Launch by Dutch Navy Expands Long-Range Strike Capabilities.
On March 11, 2025, the air defense and command frigate Zr.Ms. De Ruyter conducted the launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile off the coast of Norfolk, United States. This test marks a first for the Dutch Navy, which had never fired this type of weapon from one of its vessels.
Designed to strike targets over 1,000 kilometers away, Tomahawk missiles can neutralize strategic infrastructure such as command centers, air defense systems, and enemy units deep within hostile territory. (Picture source: Dutch Marine)
The primary objective of this operation was to collect essential data for integrating Tomahawk missiles into the air defense and command frigates of the Koninklijke Marine. By adopting these long-range missiles, the Dutch Navy significantly enhances its offensive capabilities. Designed to strike targets over 1,000 kilometers away, Tomahawk missiles can neutralize strategic infrastructure such as command centers, air defense systems, and enemy units deep within hostile territory. This new capability strengthens the Dutch naval forces' strike potential and contributes to their deterrence posture against potential adversaries.
The Tomahawk cruise missile, designated BGM-109, is a subsonic, long-range weapon developed by the United States for precision strikes against strategic targets. Designed in the 1970s and entering service in 1983, it has been continuously upgraded to meet evolving operational requirements. Used by the U.S. Navy, as well as the United Kingdom and Australia, the Tomahawk is a key component of long-range strike capabilities, allowing forces to target critical infrastructure, command centers, and military installations deep inside enemy territory. Its low-altitude flight and terrain-following capability reduce detectability, improving its ability to evade enemy defenses.
The Tomahawk is deployed from ships and submarines, using either vertical launch systems (VLS) or torpedo tubes. Its range varies by version, exceeding 1,600 km for older models and surpassing 1,800 km for the latest Block V variant. This version also introduces a maritime strike capability, enabling engagement of moving naval targets and increasing its versatility on the battlefield. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, including GPS, INS, and DSMAC, the missile can be reprogrammed mid-flight, allowing it to adjust its trajectory to evolving battlefield conditions.
Tomahawk production is managed by Raytheon Technologies, which has developed multiple variants tailored to changing strategic requirements. Early models included a nuclear-armed version (BGM-109A TLAM-N), which was retired in 2010 in favor of conventional variants. The Block IV (Tactical Tomahawk) introduced a two-way data link for in-flight updates and improved target assessment, while the Block V enhanced range and effectiveness against modern threats. Its frequent use in conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq, and Syria underscores its role in long-range strike operations.
This test was conducted under the supervision of the U.S. Navy, in coordination with a project team from the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The cooperation highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in the development and deployment of new military capabilities. The successful completion of this initial trial marks a significant step in integrating the Tomahawk into the Dutch naval forces, paving the way for its operational use in the near future.
The Dutch Navy has officially decided to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles to enhance its long-range strike capability. Announced in April 2023, this acquisition includes plans to integrate the missiles into De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates and Walrus-class submarines. The frigates, already equipped with the Mk 41 vertical launch system, are technically compatible with the Tomahawk, facilitating their deployment. While the exact number of missiles ordered has not been disclosed, this procurement aligns with a broader strategy to improve the Dutch Navy’s deep-strike capacity.
The introduction of Tomahawk missiles provides a significant deterrent capability, particularly for securing the North Sea and protecting critical infrastructure. With a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers, these missiles allow for the neutralization of potential threats before they reach Dutch territorial waters. This capability is crucial in countering threats such as adversary military installations, command centers, and air defense systems. Additionally, the ability to strike strategic land-based targets strengthens the Netherlands’ role in NATO operations, contributing to regional stability and collective defense.