SAS 2019: NSM missile now part of US Marine Corps force structure

“A USMC NSM supports the 2018 National Defense Strategy and Commandant of the Marine Corps modernization efforts,” said Raytheon, which confirmed that the USMC NSM will be similar to the one selected last year by the US Navy.

In June 2018, the U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $14.86 million contract to manufacture and deliver NSM as the Navy’s new over-the-horizon weapon system for littoral combat ships and future frigates. An order that could grow to as much as $848 million over the life of the contract.

“The Marine Corps’ selection of the Navy’s anti-ship missile enhances joint interoperability and reduces costs and logistical burdens,” Raytheon added. The company declined to detail which USMC platform will receive the NSM missile. “It’s up to the Corps”, Raytheon NSM Program Director Randy Kempton said.

“This fifth-generation missile adds another dimension for sea control operations and for protection from adversary warships,” said Kim Ernzen, vice president of Raytheon Air Warfare Systems.

NSM is the latest product produced in partnership with Norway and its defense leader Kongsberg. The NSM has a range of more than 100 nautical miles and features a target-recognition capabilities. Besides the US, Malaysian and Norwegian Navies, Poland ordered a mobile, land-based NSM system to form a new squadron-size unit among the country’s coastal defense forces.