Dutch submarines to get European Tomahawk alternative; Military buying Israeli missiles

The Netherlands will arm its future submarines with a European-developed cruise missile after the U.S.-made Tomahawk variant originally selected became unavailable, outgoing State Secretary for Defense Gijs Tuinman announced in a June 17 letter to the Tweede Kamer.

In the parliamentary document titled “Verwerving Maritime Strike” ("Procurement of Maritime Strike"), Tuinman confirmed that the Royal Netherlands Navy will instead adopt the submarine-launched version of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM-SL).

The JSM-SL is a European weapon currently under development by Norwegian arms manufacturer Kongsberg, in cooperation with several European countries led by Spain. The Netherlands will participate in this joint effort to ensure the missile can be launched from its new submarines. The JSM-SL is expected to be operational by 2032.

Both the current and future Dutch submarines were initially intended to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles. However, the specific variant the Ministry of Defense planned to purchase is no longer in production, Tuinman wrote. At the time of the original decision, the JSM-SL was not yet a viable option.

The change follows an unexpected May announcement by the ministry that Tomahawk missiles would no longer be deployed on Dutch submarines—despite earlier assurances. As recently as 2023, the ministry had firmly stated the long-range U.S. missiles would be installed aboard the new fleet. The four new submarines, being built by French shipbuilder Naval, have been under discussion for more than a decade.

While Tomahawks will not be deployed on submarines, the Dutch navy will still receive the U.S.-made missiles for its air defense and command frigates. Those missiles are scheduled for delivery in 2028.

In a separate decision, the Ministry of Defense will purchase an Israeli weapons system for two new multifunctional support ships. This choice comes amid increasing calls in the Tweede Kamer to boycott Israeli arms due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Tuinman wrote that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is the only manufacturer capable of delivering the required air defense missiles, long-range precision munitions, and electronic warfare equipment on short notice.

The ministry sees benefits in procuring from a single manufacturer, allowing better integration of the system within the navy and ensuring IAI will maintain the systems for the first three years. Tuinman emphasized that the purchase is urgent and that no alternatives are available.

He also reported delays in acquiring the support vessels themselves. “Contract negotiations with Damen have not yet been completed,” he said. Originally, the two ships were planned to be operational by 2027.