The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Latvia of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System.

Such a statement appeared on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

It regards the possible supply of missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $110 million.

The Agency issued the necessary certification on May 2 and notified the US Congress of the possible sale. Latvia’s plans to purchase coastal missile complexes became known in December last year. Negotiations on the purchase of these weapons began in September of the same year.

The potential deal includes the supply of Naval Strike Missiles, telemetered and training missiles, integration and training equipment, as well as aids. Along with equipment, the provision of spare parts and other relevant elements of logistical and program support, and software, as well as personnel training, is provided for.

The estimated total cost of the a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Latvia is $110 million.

The system includes NSM anti-ship missiles, which are placed in containers, mobile operational platforms and a set of relevant equipment.

It is emphasized that this proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally.

It should be noted that the NSM missile was developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg.

Back in 2015, Raytheon and Kongsberg joined forces to compete for new US contracts for anti-ship missiles. In 2016, they agreed to build and test components for the Norwegian missile at Raytheon’s facility in Tucson, Arizona, and the launchers at Raytheon’s facility in Louisville.

It was the Naval Strike Missile that won the Over-the-Horizon Weapon Systems (OTH WS) competition for the US Navy. In 2018, Raytheon received a contract from the US military to supply the first batch of the missiles to equip Littoral Combat Ships.

Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a subsonic anti-ship missile capable of hitting surface and ground targets. The missile, being 4 m in length and weighing 410 kg, is equipped with a modern target recognition system. The maximum launch range exceeds 185 km, and the weight of the combined warhead is 120 kg.