Latvia, U.S. Finalize $105M Deal for NSM Coastal Defense Systems
10 December, 2023 Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds and United States Ambassador to Latvia Christopher Robinson. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Latvia Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds and United States Ambassador to Latvia Christopher Robinson signed an agreement on the purchase of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense Systems.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Latvia. "We highly appreciate the contribution of the U.S. to our national security at a time when the world is facing various geopolitical challenges. Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense Systems will expand the range of capabilities available to the National Armed Forces and will play an integral role in our national defence.
It will enable us to protect our coastal area and the safety of shipping lanes. These systems will also be available for the Alliance's collective defence when necessary," Andris Spruds said. The total cost of procurement will reach £105 million.
The U.S. will provide financial support for the acquisition of the Naval Strike Missile, covering 70% of the total cost, while Latvia will cover the remaining 30% of the costs.
Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship missile. Photo credits: Kongsberg
It is reported that the systems should arrive in Latvia in 2027. "With today's announcement, we mark an important milestone in the longstanding security cooperation between the United States and Latvia.
Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine has shown that democratic countries need to stand together at the guard of their sovereignty, values and freedom. The United States is proud to support Latvia in building its defensive capabilities," said Christopher Robinson. Recall that on May 5, The U.S.
State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Latvia of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System. In addition to launchers and missiles, procurement includes telemetry and practice missiles, integration and training equipment, and auxiliaries. Along with equipment, it also includes spare parts, other relevant material and software, and personnel training.
Naval Strike Missile (NSM)
The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a subsonic anti-ship missile that is capable of striking surface and ground targets.
The missile, with a length of 4 m and a mass of 410 kg, is equipped with a modern target recognition system.
Polish NSM missiles. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Poland
The maximum launch range is more than 185 km, and the mass of the penetrating, high-explosive warhead is 120 kg. The NSM missile was developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg.
Raytheon and Kongsberg joined forces in 2015 to compete for new U.S. anti-ship missile contracts. In 2016, they agreed to build and test components of a Norwegian missile at the Raytheon facility in Tucson, Arizona, and launchers at the Raytheon plant in Louisville.
Launch of the NSM anti-ship missile. Photo credits: US Navy
It was the Naval Strike Missile that won the Over-the-Horizon Weapon Systems (OTH WS) program for the U.S. fleet.
In 2018, Raytheon received a contract from the US military to supply the first batch of these missiles to equip Littoral Combat Ship ships.