The Netherlands has decided to purchase cruise missiles from the United States in order to significantly increase its defense capabilities. The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale of approximately $2.19 billion worth of cruise missiles, weapon control systems and related equipment to the Netherlands through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The necessary certification for this potential sale was notified to the U.S. Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on April 25, 2025.
Scope and Cost of the Contract
This comprehensive contract, with an estimated cost of $2.19 billion (it should be noted that the estimated costs stated by DSCA are maximums and actual contract prices are often lower), includes various items that will make significant contributions to the Dutch defence force. The main equipment and services to be procured under the contract are as follows:
- 164 Tomahawk Block V AUR cruise missiles
- 12 Tomahawk Block IV AUR cruise missiles
- 10 Tomahawk missile weapon control systems (TTWCS)
- 2 Tomahawk Block IV telemetry missiles
- KIV-18A satellite data connection terminals
- KSX-5 integrated secure broadcast systems
- KGV-135A communication security devices
- Training, documentation, support and testing equipment
- US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services
- Other relevant elements of logistics and program support
Following this approval, the Netherlands is expected to sign a contract with RTX Corporation, one of the leading companies in the defense industry.
DSCA Statement: NATO Ally Security Will Be Enhanced
Following this important sale, the press release made by DSCA officials emphasized that this decision is in line with the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States. The statement included the following statements: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States and will increase the security of the Netherlands, a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. This sale will increase the Netherlands’ ability to counter current and future threats; it will provide the opportunity to neutralize growing threats using long-range, conventional missiles.” These statements emphasize that the sale will not only contribute positively to the Netherlands, but also to the general security structure of NATO.
Modernization of Tomahawk Missiles and New Capabilities
The Tomahawk missiles to be procured under the contract include versions developed for modern warfare conditions. RTX Corporation plans to modernize existing Tomahawk Block IV missiles, extending their service life by another 15 years. In addition, all Tomahawk Block IV missiles are being upgraded to the Block V standard to provide longer range and dynamic targeting capabilities, including for the anti-ship role.
The Tomahawk Block V series includes several sub-versions that will significantly contribute to the Netherlands' defence capability:
- Block V: It offers a modernized communications system with improved navigation and communication.
- Block Va: A configuration that has been given the ability to hit moving targets at sea.
- Block Etc: Version with a multi-purpose warhead capable of effectively hitting a wider variety of ground targets.
This strategic acquisition by the Netherlands will significantly increase the country's long-range strike capability and contribute to regional security balances. At the same time, the increase in the Netherlands' defense power as a NATO ally will also positively affect the alliance's overall deterrence capability.
