The NMESIS is a key component of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030, which focuses on preparing for potential conflicts in the Western Pacific. It enhances the Marines’ ability to deny enemy access to coastal areas and chokepoints, providing critical sea denial capabilities. Lt. Col. Timothy W. Love, Commanding Officer of 3d Littoral Combat Team, stated, “This addition deepens naval integration and strengthens deterrence by providing coverage from coastal positions, extending the Joint Force’s ability to target and engage from both land and sea.”
Equipped with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), supplied by Raytheon and Kongsberg, NMESIS offers advanced evasion capabilities by flying close to sea level and performing manoeuvres to avoid radar detection. Each missile carries a 226.79 kg class warhead with a programmable fuse, enabling precision strikes. Mounted on an uncrewed Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle chassis, NMESIS provides greater flexibility and survivability in littoral environments.
The system will be operated by Marines in the Medium-Range Missile Battery, part of the 3d MLR’s infantry battalion, and integrated through the Fire Support Coordination Center. Col. John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer of 3d MLR, noted, “The NMESIS provides this Regiment a potent sea denial capability in support of our mission essential task to ‘Attack Enemy Maritime Targets.’”
A total of 14 NMESIS batteries are planned for deployment, with three assigned to Marine Littoral Regiments and 11 allocated to rotational Marine Expeditionary Units. The initial production units, part of a $50 million contract with Raytheon, are expected to be completed by August 2027.
