The U.S. Navy has awarded Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace a substantial contract valued at $45.5 million for the delivery of the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System to Latvia. This agreement is part of the Foreign Military Sales program and includes options that could raise the total contract value to approximately $56.3 million.
The majority of the work associated with this contract will be conducted in Kongsberg, Norway, with an expected completion date set for July 2030. If all contract options are executed, the work will extend through November 2031.
In 2023, a significant agreement was struck between Latvia and the U.S., totaling $105 million for the acquisition of the coastal defense system, with the U.S. covering 70 percent of the overall expenditure. This initiative aligns with the Latvian parliament’s revisions to the Law on Financing National Defense, which is aimed at increasing military investment in coastal and air defense systems, alongside artillery enhancements.
The Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System is a robust ground-based setup that encompasses Kongsberg’s sophisticated fire control center (FCC), missile launcher units, and a comprehensive sea surveillance and tracking radar. The FCC plays a crucial role in fire control and battle management, utilizing integrated command, control, communications, and information systems.
A network of up to four FCCs can collaboratively generate a unified maritime operational picture, thereby improving situational awareness through the exchange of real-time data. Each FCC is capable of authorizing the launch of up to 12 missiles, allowing for engagement with multiple threats or concentrating fire on a singular target.
The missile system is designed to engage both maritime and land targets with an impressive range exceeding 100 nautical miles (approximately 185 kilometers/161 miles). It is equipped with a warhead of 226 kilograms (500 pounds) and features advanced capabilities such as sea-skimming flight and terminal maneuvering to enhance targeting accuracy and effectiveness.
