USS Oakland installs Naval Strike Missile
Pictured on 9 December 2021, USS Oakland finishes installation of a Naval Strike Missile launch frame. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vance Hand)
The USN announced on 10 December that the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Oakland is now armed with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
Installation of the NSM launch module was completed on 9 December at Naval Base San Diego.
‘The addition of the NSM bolsters LCS capabilities to engage with ships in addition to the ship’s mission module,’ the USN noted in a statement. The subsonic sea-skimming missile (made by Kongsberg and Raytheon) has a range of 100nmi.
Besides Oakland, four other Independence-class LCS vessels are armed with the NSM: USS Jackson, USS Charleston, USS Gabrielle Giffords and USS Tulsa.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.