The US Marine Corps tested its new anti-ship missile system during the Large Scale Exercise 2021 held on Sunday.
The service was able to hit a decommissioned vessel off the coast of Kauai in Hawaii using the new Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS).
According to the commander of Marine Corps Systems Command, Brig. Gen. A.J. Pasagian, the activity was a representation of real-world challenges and missions that the Marines and the Navy will face.
The exercise also showcased the service’s ability to deliver lethal, integrated all-domain naval power, according to the press release.
About NMESIS
Developed by Oshkosh Defense, NMESIS uses NSM anti-ship missiles designed to destroy heavily defended maritime and land targets. It comprises several proven sub-systems, including the Joint Lightweight Tactical Vehicle Chassis and the Fire Control System.
Marine Long Range Fires Program Manager Joe McPherson said the service has rapidly progressed in developing and fielding the new system, remarking that the recent naval exercise was tremendously beneficial for the units operating the weapon.
“This week was very successful. In addition to the two live fire shots that hit the target, we also successfully deployed the system aboard the Marine Corps’ primary transport systems, the C130 and LCAC,” he said.
Earlier this year, the service also scored a direct hit against a surface target at sea during the inaugural test of NMESIS at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California.
