Netherlands sets out schedule for naval point defence after Goalkeeper
Combination of RAM and DART is envisaged to replace existing close-in weapon system for Dutch naval vessels after 2025.
The Dutch government has finalised plans for a successor system to the Goalkeeper CIWS.
‘Now that the investigation has been completed, the purchase contracts need to be settled. They will probably be closed in 2022,’ the MoD announced on 14 January.
The new system will be installed on both Royal Netherlands Navy Rotterdam-class landing platform dock vessels, as well as the joint logistics support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman and the two Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates planned to enter service in 2028-2030.
A budget of €100 million to €250 million is required for the new CIWS.
HNLMS Den Helder — a new combat support ship to be delivered to the RNLN in 2024 — is also expected to feature the new-generation CIWS ‘but is not yet provided with it for budgetary reasons’, the MoD noted.
Defence minister Barbara Visser explained that the Thales-made Goalkeeper is approaching the end of its service life in 2025, despite completion of a modernisation programme in 2018.
The Dutch MoD and defence research organisation TNO assessed the threat to naval vessels from anti-ship missiles, unguided missiles, UAVs and piloted aircraft, as well as highly manoeuvrable attack boats armed with a variety of weapon systems.
They identified two types of ammunition for any successor point defence system to Goalkeeper: the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), which requires a shipboard launcher; and the DART sub-calibre guided projectile fired from a OTO Melara 76mm gun.
RAM has minimal shipboard control systems and will be autonomous after launch, whereas DART will be guided to its target by the BEL-Thales Pharos radar. Thales Nederland will make the radar and fire control for both systems.
Most components for the new CIWS will be available from 2025, apart from Pharos which is expected to be installed from 2028. The MoD admitted that the RNLN will only initially have a partial capability but the new system ‘already means a significant improvement over the Goalkeeper’.
About 70 units of the CIWS have been delivered to navies worldwide, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role]()
Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role
The outgoing US Secretary of the Navy named destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers during his last weeks in office.
-
![Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?]()
Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?
Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?
-
![South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels]()
South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels
South Korea is moving ahead at speed with its frigate programme, involving both domestic heavy-hitting shipbuilders.
-
![UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations]()
UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations
As joint military training begins between the UK and Japan, a meeting of defence ministers plans details of a Carrier Group deployment later in the year.
-
![Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule]()
Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule
The SPY-7 radar will undergo testing and calibration down to its component level before it is handed over to the Spanish Navy.
-
![India commissions three new vessels]()
India commissions three new vessels
The new vessels, Nilgiri, Surat and Vagsheer, will be deployed to protect vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
