Latvia has signed an agreement with the US to purchase Kongsberg and Raytheon’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence Systems.
The capability is estimated to cost $105 million, with the US covering 70 percent of its total cost. The NSM system is scheduled to be delivered in 2027.
The deal is a part of the Latvian parliament’s amendments to the Law on Financing National Defence, which seeks to raise its national military spending to focus on coastal and air defense systems, as well as artillery.
Defenses for Peacekeeping
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds said that the agreement will further secure the country’s shipping routes and promote peace in the region.
“[The] Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence Systems will expand the range of capabilities available to the National Armed Forces and will play an integral role in our national defence. It will enable us to protect our coastal area and safety of shipping lanes,” he said.
“These systems will also be available for Alliance’s collective defence when necessary.”
Guarding ‘Sovereignty, Values, and Freedom’
Meanwhile, US Ambassador Christopher Robinson stated that the deal will help promote cooperation between sovereign nations amid the Russo-Ukrainian war.
“Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine has shown that democratic countries need to stand together at the guard of their sovereignty, values and freedom. The United States is proud to support Latvia in building its defensive capabilities,” he said.
Earlier this year, Latvia reinstated compulsory military service for young men in response to the conflict.