The US Navy has awarded Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace a $45.5-million contract to provide the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defense System to Latvia.
The agreement, issued through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, includes optional provisions that could raise the total value to $56.3 million. Most of the development and production work will be carried out in Kongsberg, with completion planned for July 2030, or extended to November 2031 if all options are exercised.
This contract builds on a $105-million 2023 agreement between Latvia and the United States, under which Washington will fund 70 percent of the program. The procurement supports amendments to Latvia’s Law on Financing National Defense, aimed at boosting investments in coastal defense, air defense, and artillery.
The ground-based system includes an advanced fire control center (FCC), launcher units, and integrated maritime surveillance radar. The FCC provides command, control, communications, and battle management through an interconnected network.
Up to four FCCs can be linked to form a unified maritime operational picture, enhancing situational awareness through real-time data sharing. Each FCC can authorize the launch of up to 12 missiles, either against multiple targets or concentrated on a single threat.
The missile can engage both maritime and land targets at ranges exceeding 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers). It is armed with a 226-kilogram warhead and features sea-skimming flight and advanced terminal maneuvering for improved survivability.
