The US State Department has given its approval for a potential $2.19bn (€1.93bn) foreign military sale (FMS) involving Tomahawk land attack missiles and related systems to the Netherlands.
RTX has been named as the principal contractor of the deal.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said it notified Congress of this potential transaction.
The Netherlands government has expressed its intent to procure up to 163 Tomahawk Block V All Up Rounds (AURs), 12 Tomahawk Block IV AURs, a maximum of ten Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control Systems, and up to two Tomahawk Block IV telemetry missiles.
The Tomahawk cruise missile can be launched from various platforms and can accurately strike targets more than 1,000 miles away, notes the company.
The latest model, the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk, features a data link for in-flight target switching, loitering capabilities, and immediate course alteration upon command.
Additional non-major defence equipment (MDE) items included in the sale are satellite data link terminals (KIV-18A), integrated secure broadcast systems (KSX-5), spares, and other logistical and program support elements.
This sale is intended to bolster the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by enhancing the security of a NATO ally, contributing to political stability and economic progress in Europe.
The acquisition is designed to augment the Netherlands' capabilities against current and future threats through the use of long-range and conventional surface-to-surface missiles.
The Dutch armed forces are expected to integrate these systems and services without difficulty, and the sale is not anticipated to disrupt the military balance in the region.
The deal follows the successful firing of a Tomahawk missile from De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS De Ruyter off the shores of Norfolk in the US.
This marked a first for the Dutch naval forces in terms of deploying this specific missile class. The exercise aimed to collect critical data that will enable future launches from similar frigates within the fleet, Dutch Navy said.
Oversight of this test firing was provided by the US Navy, working in conjunction with a specialised team from the defence department.
In March 2024, RTX secured a $287m contract to extend the service life of 166 Tomahawk Block IV AUR Missiles for an additional 15 years.
This caters to the US Navy and international clients, ensuring their continued operational readiness.
