The Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Oakland (LCS 24) finished installation of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launch module on December 9 at Naval Base San Diego. The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is an anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA). The Naval Strike Missile is a long-range, precision-strike weapon that can find and destroy enemy ships at distances up to 100 nautical miles. The addition of the NSM bolsters LCS capabilities to engage with ships in addition to the ship’s mission module.
“The addition of the NSM on LCS vessels adds lethality and over-the-horizon capability,” said Cmdr. Derek Jaskowiak, Oakland Blue Crew’s commanding officer. “The presence of an NSM acts as a deterrent and provides additional offensive capacity for deployed LCS vessels, and is a great asset to the fleet.”
The original Norwegian name was Nytt sjomalsmissil (literally New sea target missile, indicating that it is the successor of the Penguin missile). The English marketing name Naval Strike Missile was adopted later. The NSM evades enemy radar and defense systems by conducting evasive maneuvers and flying at sea-skimming altitude. NSM uses an advanced seeker for precise targeting and carries a 500-pound class warhead with a programmable fuse. The NSM system can also be deployed during ground-based or amphibious operations due to its capability to climb and descend with terrain.
USS Oakland (LCS-24) is an Independence-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy.[4] She is the third ship to be named for the City of Oakland, California. Oakland was built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. A ceremonial laying of the keel was held at the Austal USA shipyards in Mobile on 20 July 2018. The ship was christened on 29 June 2019 and then launched on 21 July 2019. She was delivered to the Navy on 26 June 2020,[2] and was commissioned on 17 April 2021. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
