U.S. Army's New Landing Craft Transports Marine Corps Anti-Ship Missile in Hawaii Test

In a significant cross-service demonstration last week at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the U.S. Army's latest landing craft successfully transported the Marine Corps' Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), showcasing enhanced interoperability and rapid deployment capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.

Enhanced Mobility with MSV(L)

The exercise featured the Army’s new Maneuver Support Vessel – Light (MSV(L)), a modern replacement for the aging Landing Craft Mechanized fleet. Designed for logistics in contested environments, the MSV(L) can operate in austere ports, degraded facilities, and even bare beaches, making it ideal for the Indo-Pacific's diverse and often undeveloped coastal regions. The vessel's capabilities were demonstrated through joint training with the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and the 7th Transportation Brigade, highlighting its role in supporting both routine and combat operations.

NMESIS: A Strategic Asset

The NMESIS system, equipped with two low-observable Naval Strike Missiles, provides the Marine Corps with a mobile and potent anti-ship capability. First fielded by the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in November 2024, NMESIS enhances sea denial capabilities and maritime lethality. Its deployment to first island chain chokepoints, such as Japan and the Philippines, underscores its strategic importance in countering maritime threats in the region.

Joint Training for Rapid Response

The beach rehearsal involved Marines from the 3rd Littoral Combat Team and soldiers from the 7th Transportation Brigade, who collaborated to offload the NMESIS from the MSV(L). This joint effort not only tested the physical capabilities of the landing craft but also emphasized the importance of seamless coordination between services for rapid response in potential conflict zones.

Strategic Implications

This demonstration aligns with the U.S. military's broader strategy to enhance its presence and deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The integration of advanced systems like NMESIS with versatile platforms such as the MSV(L) enables the U.S. to project power and respond swiftly to emerging threats, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure.

The successful transport of NMESIS by the MSV(L) marks a pivotal step in modernizing U.S. military capabilities, ensuring that forces are equipped to operate effectively in the dynamic and challenging environments of the Indo-Pacific.