US State Department approves possible sale of Tomahawk missiles to Netherlands

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Tomahawk land attack missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$2.19 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Friday, April 25.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy up to one 163 Tomahawk Block V all up rounds (AURs); 12 Tomahawk Block IV AURs; up to ten Tomahawk weapons control systems; and up to two Tomahawk Block IV telemetry missiles.

The DSCA said this proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally, "that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."

The DSCA added that the proposed sale will improve the Netherlands' capability to meet current and future threats by utilising long-range, conventional surface-to-surface missiles with significant standoff range.

In March, the Royal Netherlands Navy conducted its first shipborne test launch of a Tomahawk missile when one example was fired from the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) frigate HNLMS De Ruyter off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia.

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.