The Royal Netherlands Navy has unveiled a dual-track strategy for its cruise missile capabilities, opting to integrate U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles on its upcoming LC-class frigates while shifting towards a European solution for its future Orka-class submarines. This decision marks a significant development in Dutch naval procurement, balancing immediate needs with long-term strategic investments in European defense technology.
Initially, there were considerations to equip the legacy Walrus-class submarines with Tomahawk cruise missiles. However, these plans have been abandoned. The primary reasons cited for this change include the obsolescence of the submarine-launched Tomahawk variant for the aging Walrus class and the prohibitive costs associated with its revival and integration.
Instead, the Netherlands has now joined Spain’s Joint Strike Missile – Submarine Launched (JSM-SL) program. This move positions the upcoming Orka-class submarines to be equipped with a cutting-edge European cruise missile capability, with an operational projection by 2032. This decision underscores a growing emphasis among European nations to foster indigenous defense solutions and enhance strategic autonomy within the continent’s defense industrial base.
For its surface fleet, the Dutch Navy will proceed with the integration of U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles onto its future LC-class frigates. This approach is set to provide a rapid capability enhancement, with the proven American system expected to be operational on surface ships by 2028. This allows the Netherlands to quickly bolster its long-range strike capabilities while simultaneously investing in a sovereign European solution for its submarine platforms that will mature over the next decade.
This strategic procurement choice reflects a pragmatic balance between immediate operational requirements and a commitment to nurturing a robust European defense ecosystem. By diversifying its missile acquisitions, the Dutch Navy aims to secure both cutting-edge capabilities and strategic flexibility for its future naval operations, contributing to both NATO interoperability and European defense independence.