The Marine Corps has recently enhanced its capabilities with the introduction of a critical new weapon: the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). This missile system was received by the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
The NMESIS is part of the Marine Corps’ strategy to better support the U.S. Navy in gaining access to maritime territories defended by adversary missiles and warning systems. According to Lt. Col. Timothy Love, the 3rd MLR commander, the enhanced sea denial capability places the unit at the forefront of strategic transformation.
The NMESIS operates from coastal positions, providing coverage for Navy and partner vessels. It combines a joint light tactical vehicle equipped with remote controls that mount a Naval Strike Missile. This integration allows for a mobile missile system that aligns with the Marines’ objective of island-hopping to eliminate enemy ships and other critical targets before U.S. Navy vessels arrive.
As the Marine Corps’ primary ground-launched anti-ship capability, the NMESIS is part of the broader Force Design modernization initiative. The 3rd MLR, founded in 2021, represents a new concept within the corps, incorporating slimmer infantry battalions along with advanced radar and sensor technologies.
The Medium-Range Missile Battery within the 3rd MLR will operate the NMESIS, and the regiment’s fire support coordination center will integrate the missile with other kinetic and non-kinetic fire capabilities to effectively conduct maritime dynamic targeting.
In November 2023, Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg secured a five-year, $900 million contract with the U.S. Navy, marking the firm’s largest missile contract to date. This contract involves the provision of the NMESIS and the Naval Strike Missile for use on littoral combat ships and Constellation-class frigates.
For fiscal 2023, the Marine Corps procured 97 NMESIS units and plans to acquire 24 more in fiscal 2024, addressing initial capability requirements. However, procurement is currently on pause for fiscal 2025.
Todd South, a veteran and military journalist, has been writing about crime, courts, government, and military affairs since 2004 and was a Pulitzer finalist in 2014 for work related to witness intimidation.
