Significant financial support for the purchase of anti-ship missile systems is provided by the U.S., covering 70% of the total contract amount, while Latvia covers 30%.
Defense Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) told Latvian Radio the anti-ship missile system will be a new capability of the National Armed Forces (NBS) and an important component of the Latvian defense system: “It will ensure the protection of the Latvian coast, the safety of shipping routes and, if necessary, will be part of the common NATO defense system.”
Sprūds said this missile system, also used by several other NATO members, is just one of several capabilities that Latvia is developing to strengthen its security.
“It's an anti-ship missile system or a coastal defense system that is unique, which is largely the most modern and advanced system right now, as it will strengthen our capabilities so that we are protected in a variety of ways, both on land, in the air and at sea,” Sprūds said.
NSM is an anti-ship missile system capable of affecting both marine and land targets up to 185 kilometers away, the Defense Ministry reported.
This missile system is used by NATO members such as the US, Poland, Germany, Norway, Romania, Britain, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Delivery of the anti-ship missile system “Naval Strike Missile” is scheduled to begin in 2027.
According to the manufacturer, "The NSM is a very flexible system, which can be launched from a variety of platforms against a variety of targets on sea and land. The airframe design and the high thrust to weight ratio give the NSM extremely good manoeuvrability. The missile is completely passive, has proven its excellent sea-skimming capabilities and with its advanced terminal manoeuvres, it will survive the enemy air defences. The Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) of the seeker ensures that the correct target is detected, recognized and hit, at sea or on land."
You can read the various technical specifications of the missile system in this brochure.
