GROUND BASED ANTI-SHIP MISSILE

The PE 0605514M: Ground Based Anti-Ship Missile program is a key Navy and Marine Corps initiative aimed at developing and fielding ground-launched anti-ship capabilities. Its primary goal is to provide the Marine Corps with the first Ground Based Anti-Ship Missile (GBASM) capability, specifically through the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). This system is central to the Marine Corps' modernization efforts and supports the Naval Expeditionary Force's (NEF) anti-surface warfare campaign. The program focuses on countering peer adversaries and enhancing anti-access/area denial operations. It leverages proven technologies, such as the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis, to deliver a persistent, mobile, and hard-to-detect threat in contested maritime environments.

6637: Ground Based Anti-Ship Missile is the principal line item under this program element, encompassing the research, development, testing, and integration of NMESIS components. Objectives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include advancing communications and navigation capabilities, such as the development of Common C4 Phase 2 for one-to-many fire control and move-shoot-move operations, and the integration of M-CODE receivers for enhanced navigation and security. Additional efforts involve Leader/Follower software improvements to enable coordinated mobility among multiple launch platforms. Upgrades to ordnance handling equipment are planned for safer missile reload procedures. Testing activities are scheduled to validate these enhancements, including system-level and transportability testing to ensure operational effectiveness and certification for broader deployment.

The NMESIS system consists of two NSMs mounted on a teleoperated ROGUE-Fires carrier, with an integrated Weapons Control System (WCS) and command and control (C2) connections. The system is designed for employment by Medium-range Missile (MMSL) batteries within Marine Littoral Regiments (MLR), supporting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) inside adversary Weapons Engagement Zones (WEZ). By integrating NMESIS into sensor and communication networks, the Marine Corps aims to create a stand-in force that enhances naval sea control and expands the depth and persistence of anti-ship capabilities.

6640: NSM Range Extension is a complementary line item focused on increasing the operational range and effectiveness of the Naval Strike Missile. The objective is to double the range of the current NSM over the next five years, with incremental improvements implemented as they complete testing. FY 2025 and FY 2026 activities include analysis and design of missile modifications, integration and testing of more energy-dense fuels, aerodynamic model updates, and the development of more fuel-efficient flight profiles and survivability enhancements. These improvements are intended to maximize the missile's reach and operational flexibility, allowing for longer-range missions and improved end-game performance.

The NSM Range Extension effort involves collaboration with Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and government labs such as NAWC-WD at China Lake, CA. The acquisition strategy leverages sole-source contracts for production and engineering services, with subsystem enhancements transitioning into the NSM production baseline for common use across both Navy and Marine Corps platforms. Test assets are procured to support hardware and software validation, and initial analysis of a missile data link is planned to further expand operational capabilities.

Both line items include funding for safety, cybersecurity, and management services to ensure compliance with operational standards and information assurance requirements. The program reflects ongoing efforts to promote efficiency and align with government-wide cost-saving initiatives, as seen in minor reductions for advisory and assistance services. The strategy is to accelerate the transition from contractor logistics support to organic sustainment, leveraging commonality with JLTV and OTH-WS components for streamlined logistics and support.