Ukraine negotiates with Poland to acquire coastal missile defense systems.

According to information published by the Polish Defense Website "Defence24" on June 28, 2023, Talks are currently ongoing between Poland and Ukraine regarding the procurement of elements from the NSM (Naval Strike Missile) Coastal Missile Squadron System. The potential purchase involves a missile system capable of combating both maritime and land targets, as unofficially reported by Defence24.pl.
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Launcher truck of the Polish NSM coastal missile defense system. (Picture source Army Recognition)

As revealed by Defence24.pl, Poland is involved in advanced discussions with Ukraine for the supply of components from the Coastal Missile Squadron System. Kyiv is considering purchasing existing elements of the Polish system, possibly even an entire squadron, using its own or European Union funds. The equipment for the Naval Missile Unit would be supplemented as part of this purchase - a strategic decision that Defence24.pl reported had already been made back in April.

The primary armament of the Coastal Missile Squadron System is the NSM (Naval Strike Missile), an anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA. It's capable of combating both ships and land targets at distances of around 200 kilometers. Thus, it's plausible that following the delivery of British-French air-to-ground Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles, Ukraine would acquire another European long-range strike system, this time ground-launched.*

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) stands as a testament to advanced technological capabilities, embodying the best of Norwegian engineering. Crafted with ingenuity and precision, the NSM is an embodiment of flexibility, capable of being launched from a myriad of platforms to strike a diverse array of targets at sea or on land.

The NSM's agility stems from its airframe design and a high thrust-to-weight ratio, providing the missile with exceptional maneuverability. Its high subsonic speed complements its agility, making it a formidable player in modern warfare. Weighing in at 407 kg (897 lbs) and with a length of 3.96 m (156 inches), the NSM combines high performance with a compact form factor.

But the NSM isn't just about speed and maneuverability. It's also about evading enemy defenses. The missile is completely passive, and it has proven its exceptional sea-skimming capabilities. In addition, the NSM's advanced terminal maneuvers increase its chances of surviving enemy air defenses, making it a reliable choice in high-risk combat scenarios.

The NSM is also equipped with an Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) system in its seeker. This advanced system ensures that the correct target is accurately detected, recognized, and hit - a vital feature when operating in cluttered and complex environments, whether at sea or on land.

With a range of over 185 km (100 nautical miles), the NSM provides a significant strategic advantage. It allows naval and land forces to engage targets from a safe distance, offering a decisive edge in modern warfare.