Norway is upgrading its air defense capabilities with the latest generation of NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) to protect its forces and critical infrastructure. The modernization includes new command posts, communication systems, and Kongsberg’s THOR Combat Net Radios, enhancing mobility, survivability, and faster decision-making. Additional components have also been ordered to ensure rapid delivery of future systems, supporting Norway’s long-term defense strategy. Kongsberg writes:
“The government is prioritising strengthening our air defence. This agreement is an important step in ensuring increased response capacity and protection of Norwegian forces and critical infrastructure,” said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
“The NASAMS air defence system is strategically important for Norway’s defence capabilities and is vital for safeguarding our national security interests. This delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS, was first developed by KONGSBERG and Raytheon of the US for the Norwegian armed forces in the 1990s. Today there are 13 nations in the NASAMS user group.
“With this acquisition, we ensure that the NASAMS departments receive flexible and modern command posts and communication systems that provide faster decision support, higher tempo and increased survivability,” said Director Gro Jære of the Defence Materiel Agency.
Contract deliveries
With the new contract, the NASAMS batteries will be equipped with new command posts, wheeled communication nodes and radios. Today’s MRR radios will be replaced with KONGSBERG’s THOR Combat Net Radio, with higher capacity and more functions.
Increased mobility, better opportunity for dispersion and command posts that allow faster movement are all factors that contribute to increased survivability for the air defence batteries.
In addition, the NDMA ordered additional components with long lead times to ensure that additional NASAMS systems can be delivered quickly, in line with the Long-Term Plan for the Defence Sector.
Read more here.
AIM-120 AMRAAM: The Backbone of NASAMS Air Defense
The Netherlands is considering domestic production of US-made AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles through a feasibility study with Raytheon, marking the first potential co-production of AMRAAMs with a European NATO partner. The study will assess Dutch capabilities for production, assembly, and maintenance of the medium-range air-to-air missiles, which defend against aircraft and cruise missiles and support F-35 and ground-based air defense. The initiative aims to strengthen transatlantic defense cooperation, accelerate missile delivery, and support NATO and Ukraine, according to Giulia Bernacchi of The Defense Post. The move follows Washington’s approval of a $570 million AMRAAM sale to the Netherlands, amid rising European demand, including new orders from Germany and Italy. Bernacchi writes:
The Netherlands will explore the possibility of producing US-made AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) domestically through a feasibility study approved by Washington and to be conducted by missile manufacturer, Raytheon.
Marking the first potential co-production of AMRAAM missiles with a European NATO partner, the study will examine how Dutch industry could contribute to their production, assembly, and maintenance. […]
The announcement follows Washington’s approval in September of a potential $570-million sale of AMRAAMs to the Netherlands. […]
In recent months, several other European countries have moved to expand their air-to-air missile capabilities.
Germany is set to purchase up to 400 US-made AIM-120D-3Â missiles in a $1.23-billion deal.
At the same time, the US State Department cleared Italy’s request for 70 AMRAAMs, along with associated equipment and services valued at about $211 million. […]
Read more here.
