The Dutch Secretary of Defence, Gijs Tuinman, stated that the Netherlands needs missiles similar to the American Tomahawks, but produced on the country’s own industrial base.
According to him, such missiles would serve as a deterrent and ensure the country’s strategic autonomy, reports BNR.
“If several Dutch companies join forces, we could create the system within six months,” Tuinman emphasized.
The Netherlands does not plan to fully copy them, but aims to develop a more affordable ‘budget version’ that will be cheaper and delivered in larger quantities more quickly.
Tuinman emphasized that the country already has companies with the necessary expertise in missile technology. The government’s task is to bring them together and encourage joint work on a single project.
If the development is successful, the government is ready to guarantee the purchase of these missiles for several years ahead. The new missiles are seen not only as a tool for national defense but also as a potential export product.
“What is good for the Netherlands will be acceptable for Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Greece,” stated the State Secretary of Defence.
