Latvia secures US Naval Coastal Defense Missile Systems in defense agreement.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Embassy in Latvia jointly announced a defense acquisition: the purchase of Naval Coastal Defense Missile Systems. The agreement, involving Norwegian company Kongsberg and American manufacturer Raytheon, was officially disclosed on December 8, 2023, by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Robinson.
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Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Picture source: Kongsberg)

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM), developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, features a key capability to operate at low altitudes, allowing it to evade enemy radars through a sea-skimming flight. This characteristic is vital for ensuring the missile's survival to its target, especially in highly defended environments. Its ability to maintain a low profile significantly reduces its visibility to air defense systems, thereby increasing its chances of mission success.

The NSM can reach targets up to about 185 kilometers but one of its most interesting features is its advanced seeker head. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, it can identify and discriminate targets with high precision. This technology allows it to conduct surgical strikes, reducing the risk of collateral damage and increasing mission effectiveness. Additionally, the missile is endowed with autonomous capabilities, enabling it to navigate to the target with minimal human intervention, which is crucial in combat environments where communication may be compromised.

It can be deployed from various platforms, including surface ships, submarines, land vehicles, and aircraft. This versatility allows it to be integrated into a wide range of defense and attack strategies, making it adaptable to multiple war scenarios.

The NSM is designed to withstand enemy electronic countermeasures, thereby increasing its resilience against jamming or deception attempts. This resistance to countermeasures is a crucial feature, particularly in modern combat environments where electronic warfare plays an increasingly significant role.

Minister Sprūds emphasized the importance of this acquisition for Latvia's national security, especially in light of current global geopolitical challenges. The naval missile systems will not only strengthen Latvia's coastal defense but also contribute to the safety of maritime routes. Moreover, these systems will play a vital role in the collective defense initiatives of allied nations.

Ambassador Robinson marked this agreement as a crucial moment in the enduring security partnership between the United States and Latvia. He highlighted the need for democracies to collaborate against threats to their sovereignty and values, citing Russia's aggression in Ukraine as a striking example. The U.S.'s support for Latvia's defense capabilities underlines this commitment.

The acquisition is valued at 105 million dollars, with the United States covering 70% of the costs and Latvia responsible for the remaining 30%. The Naval Coastal Defense Missile Systems are expected to be delivered in 2027. This system is already in use by several NATO member states, including the United States, Poland, Germany, Norway, Romania, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands.