On Tuesday, 2 May, Cabinet of Ministers approved purchase of Naval Strike Missile systems. ‘These anti-ship missile systems will bring our army’s defence capabilities to a new level. We will get greater firepower and range for hitting targets. These systems will significantly boost our coastal defence,’ Defence Minister Ināra Mūrniece underlined.
The USA has agreed to provide significant financial support in acquisition of missile systems. Naval Strike Missile systems will form new capability for National Armed Forces and US will also help Latvia train troops how to use and maintain the equipment.
Naval Strike Missile is a very flexible anti-ship missile system that can hit naval and land-based targets anywhere in the range of 185 km. These systems are also used by allies like the US, Poland, Germany, Norway, Romania, Great Britain, Canada and the Netherlands.
It is envisaged that Naval Strike Missile systems will start arriving in Latvia post-2025.