According to information published by Dutch News on April 6, 2023, the Netherlands will acquire US Tomahawk cruise missiles for LC frigates and submarines.
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Tomahawk cruise missile. (Picture source: Raytheon)
The Tomahawk cruise missile was first developed in the 1970s as a long-range, precision-guided missile for use in the Cold War. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades and improvements, making it one of the most advanced cruise missiles in the world today.
One of the key features of the Tomahawk missile is its ability to carry a variety of payloads, including nuclear warheads, high explosive, and submunitions. This makes it a versatile weapon that can be used for a range of missions, including land attack, anti-ship, and special operations.
The missile is launched from a vertical launch system (VLS) or torpedo tubes on submarines, or from land-based vehicles. Once launched, it is guided by a combination of GPS, INS, TERCOM, DSMAC, and active radar homing, which allows it to navigate to its target with a high degree of accuracy.
The Tomahawk missile is designed to fly at a low altitude of 98-164 feet (30-50 m) above the ground, which makes it difficult to detect and intercept by enemy air defenses. It has a maximum speed of about Mach 0.74 or 567.7 mph (493.3 kn; 913.6 km/h), which allows it to reach its target quickly and with great precision.
In addition to its speed and precision, the Tomahawk missile is also highly reliable and has a proven track record in combat. It has been used in several conflicts, including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the 2018 missile strikes against Syria, where it has demonstrated its effectiveness as a weapon of war.
