By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Due to prohibitive costs and lengthy lead times associated with restarting production of the torpedo tube-launched Tomahawk, the Netherlands has abandoned plans to integrate this missile onto its submarine fleet. The decision, detailed in the Defensie Projectenoverzicht 2025 report, affects both the current Walrus-class and the future Orka-class submarines. The Dutch Ministry of Defence explored options for cost-sharing, but ultimately deemed the expense for their relatively small order unfeasible. The plan to equip surface ships with Tomahawks remains unaffected, and alternative deep-strike capabilities for the Orka-class are now under consideration.
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The Netherlands’ decision to abandon the integration of Tomahawk cruise missiles into its new Orka-class submarines is a significant development, one that speaks volumes about evolving geopolitical realities and strategic priorities. It’s a move that, while perhaps surprising at first glance, makes increasing sense when viewed through the lens of cost, reliability, and long-term defense strategy.
The initial plan, a collaboration involving American missiles and French-built submarines, presented inherent challenges from the outset. The considerable timeframes involved in such an undertaking – especially concerning a submarine platform designed for a potential half-century of service – are a critical factor. The risk of becoming entangled in potentially unfavorable American supply chain issues or political pressures over the life of the submarines was a significant deterrent.
Beyond the temporal aspect, the financial implications were substantial. The reported cost-prohibitive nature of the project adds weight to the argument for abandoning the integration. This aligns with a broader trend within the European Union, a growing desire to reduce reliance on American military technology and build a more self-sufficient defense industrial base.
The decision also reflects a broader shift in the landscape of international alliances. The trustworthiness and reliability of the United States as a long-term defense partner have increasingly been questioned by European nations. The potential for the United States to exert political pressure through weapon supply chains, exemplified by past administrations, poses an unacceptable level of risk for a nation like the Netherlands that values its autonomy and independence.
This isn’t to say the Dutch Navy is neglecting its need for deep strike capabilities. Alternatives exist, and the adoption of a European-made cruise missile system is a compelling solution. The MBDA Naval Cruise Missile (MdCN), for instance, offers a viable alternative, ensuring interoperability within the European defense framework, minimizing supply chain risks, and promoting self-reliance.
Another compelling aspect of the decision is the opportunity to further strengthen the existing partnership with France. The Orka-class submarines are French-designed and built, and this integration of a European missile system further solidifies the collaborative relationship and enhances the overall coherence of the European defense architecture. The integration of the NSM from Kongsberg and Thyssen Krupp into other submarine platforms provides another example of the shift towards a more European-centric approach to defense technology.
The abandonment of the Tomahawk integration, therefore, is not merely a pragmatic response to cost and time constraints; it reflects a deliberate strategic choice. It signals a desire to move beyond a reliance on the United States for critical defense technologies and to build a more independent, resilient, and secure defense posture aligned with European partners. This long-term view is essential, especially given the uncertain political landscape and the potential vulnerabilities associated with reliance on a single, potentially unpredictable, supplier.
It’s also worth noting the Netherlands’ impressive naval heritage. The nation possesses a remarkably capable submarine fleet, renowned for its advanced technology and highly skilled crews. This expertise has influenced NATO doctrine and contributed significantly to international naval technology. The Dutch submarine force fills a unique niche, operating both in coastal waters and in the open ocean – a capability highly valued within NATO for intelligence gathering, special operations, and a variety of other missions.
The decision to abandon Tomahawk integration in its submarines is, therefore, a calculated step towards a more autonomous and secure future for the Dutch navy. This is a move that underscores the increasing importance of European defense cooperation and the growing need for member states to reduce dependence on external military suppliers, ultimately leading to a more robust and self-reliant European defense capability. The long-term implications of this decision are likely to resonate throughout Europe, potentially influencing the strategic choices of other nations seeking to build a more integrated and independent defense architecture.