Royal Netherlands Navy conducts shipborne test launch of Tomahawk cruise missile

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) air defence and command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter has concluded a successful test launch of a Tomahawk cruise missile, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MOD) reported on Wednesday, March 12.

The MOD said the launch, which took place off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, was the first time that a Dutch warship fired this type of missile.

Data collected from the test launch will provide the RNLN with the necessary information to eventually fire Tomahawk missiles from its air defence and command frigates.

The RNLN intends to use the Tomahawks for taking out key targets deep inland from up to 1,000 kilometres offshore. Targets will include command and control (C2) facilities, anti-aircraft emplacements, and individual enemy units.

The test launch program was led by the US Navy in a collaboration with a project team sent by the MOD to Norfolk.

Dutch defence officials had decided to acquire Tomahawk missiles to expand the maritime strike capability of the RNLN's De Zeven Provinciën-class air defence and command frigates and two of the four Walrus-class submarines.