U.S. Marines deploy NMESIS anti-ship missile launchers in the Indo-Pacific

The US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has receive the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in a ceremony at Dewey Square at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

NMESIS is a mountable, ground-based anti-ship missile launcher operated by the 3rd Littoral Combat Team (LCT) medium-range missile battery.

Both are components of the 3rd MLR, which specializes in amphibious and littoral warfare operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Meanwhile, the Fire Support Coordination Center within the regiment will ensure the system’s integration into broader military operations via the Maritime Dynamic Targeting Process.

“After receiving the NMESIS weapons system, the 3rd MLR has an enhanced sea denial capability and is at the forefront of strategic transformation. “This addition deepens naval integration and strengthens deterrence by providing protection from coastal positions and expanding the Joint Force’s ability to engage and engage targets from both land and sea,” said 3rd LCT Commander Lt. Col. Timothy W. Love.

Meanwhile, the 3rd MLR commander, Col. John G Lehane stated, “The transition of NMESIS from the initial test and operational evaluation category to a field weapon system is an important milestone for the 3rd MLR.”

In 2021 the US Marines have tested NMESIS when it struck a decommissioned ship off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, scoring a hit Direct hit against a surface target at sea.