NASAMS was the first application of a surface-launched AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile). NASAMS 2 is an upgraded version of the system capable of using Link 16, which has been operational since 2007. As of 2022[update], NASAMS 3 is the latest upgrade. Deployed in 2019, it adds capability to fire AIM-9X Sidewinder, and AMRAAM-ER missiles, and introduces mobile air-liftable launchers. NASAMS has proven interoperability with longer range systems such as Patriot.[8]
Development
Development of NASAMS began in the 1980s when Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) teamed up with Hughes Missile Systems and Hughes Aircraft Ground Systems Group and initiated the program as a cooperative effort for the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). As originally envisioned, NASAMS would replace two Nike Hercules facilities in defending Norway's southern air bases, where it would act in conjunction with F-16s in providing a layered defense.[9]
The integrated air defense battle management command and control system, based on KS500F computers and the KMC9000 control console with two color CRT displays, was first developed for the Norwegian Adapted Hawk (NOAH) program,[10] an upgrade to the MIM-23B Improved Hawk semi-active radar head, surface-to-air missile system. This command and control system integrated existing AN/MPQ-46 High Power Illuminator Doppler Radar (HPIR) with AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar, modified into a three-dimensional low-altitude airspace surveillance radar with the TPQ-36A software upgrade.
The upgraded NOAH would still engage only one target per launcher pad, which was insufficient to counter the emerging threat of massive firing of cruise missiles. RNoAF ordered further development of a distributed, network-centric air defense system with multiple launchers and radars.
The MIM-23B missile was replaced with the active radar homing AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, which also uses an inertial navigation system during initial approach. The TPQ-36A radar was upgraded to the rotating AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel configuration. Test launches were performed in June 1993. The system had an initial operational capability in late 1994 – early 1995. It was fully operationally fielded in 1998.[citation needed]
An enhanced NASAMS 2 was developed in the 2000s and became operational in 2006. A third generation, NASAMS 3, was developed in the 2010s and fielded in 2019.
First generation NASAMS
An AIM-120 dummy missile on a rail extending from the canister
The system integrates U.S.-built TPQ-36A air defense X band 3D radar and AMRAAM missiles with a Norwegian developed battle management C4I (command, control, communication, computers and intelligence) system called FDC, short for Fire Distribution Center. The FDC connected to a radar forms an "Acquisition Radar and Control System" (ARCS). NASAMS capabilities are enhanced by the system's networked and distributed nature.[11] The shelter module hosts two identical consoles for the Tactical Control Officer (TCO) and the Tactical Control Assistant (TCA).
The AMRAAM missile is fired from a towed launcher with six missile canisters; the standard AMRAAM missile has a horizontal range of up to 25 kilometers (16 mi).[12] Other sources cite a range of "over 15 km" and 40 km for the extended range version.[13]
By the late 1990s, RNoAF formed an integrated ground-based air defense system known as the Norwegian Solution (NORSOL), by connecting NASAMS battle management ARCS stations with two other air defense systems via field wires and radio. Subordinate weapon systems included the RBS 70 laser beam assisted MANPADS system and the Bofors40mm L70 gun, controlled by the Oerlikon Contraves FCS2000 monopulsedoppler tracking radar. The solution integrated all three systems (NASAMS, RBS70, and L70/FCS2000) to provide battlefield awareness to commanders of all echelons, and to ensure protection of friendly aircraft while preventing overkill (i.e. engagement of a single threat by multiple air-defense units) and underkill (failure to engage the threat by any unit).
NASAMS 2
A Spanish NASAMS 2 launcher vehicle during a military parade in 2009The Sentinel radar of a NASAMS 3 battery of the HunAF
The RNoAF together with KDA conducted a mid-life update of NASAMS in the early 2000s, called NASAMS 2. The upgraded version was handed over to RNoAF in mid-2006. The major difference between the two versions is the use of standard tactical data links (Link 16, Link 11, JREAP, ATDL-1 etc.), as well as a better ground radar. Full operational capability (FOC) was expected for 2007.
A complete NASAMS 2 battery consists of up to four firing units. Each firing unit includes 3 missile launchers (LCHR), each carrying six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, one AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel radar, one Fire Distribution Center vehicle, and one electro-optical camera vehicle (MSP500).[14]
The Improved Sentinel radar has a broader frequency spectrum, variable rotation speed, and increased capacity to detect and follow targets. The radar platform comes on a trailer with its own power supply that can be towed by a variety of vehicles. Each radar can process and distribute the data independently, and can be connected via radio links, cable, through Multi Rolle Radio, or through TADKOM.
Rheinmetall MSP600 electro-optical sensor
The MSP500 electro-optical sensor from Rheinmetall is equipped with a laser rangefinder and a TV camera, as well as an upgraded thermographic camera.[15] These can be used to fire the missiles passively, which has been successfully tested. MSP600 is a new lightweight version updated with digital signal processing. It is used by several countries.[16]
Fire Distribution Centers (FDCs) can form a network with geographically distributed sensors and use either centralised or distributed data fusion to process radar tracks and form a complete airspace picture for the Tactical Control Officer (TCO).[14] Each command post includes two color displays with a task-based common tactical operation control (CTOC) interface.[17][18] The control system can detach itself from the sensors in order to become less visible.
Operators can switch to a centralized control role by running operation center software (GBADOC). An optional Tactical Control Center (TCC) vehicle, similar to the Battalion Operations Center (BOC) for the Hawk XXI upgrade, includes a third command post which can be used for this role.
The control modules can be mounted on a large variety of vehicles. Each module can automatically determine its position using electronic northfinder and GPS receiver.
NASAMS 3
The redesigned Mk II launcher and other components of NASAMS 3 delivered to the HunAF in 2023
In April 2019, RNoAF fielded the upgraded NASAMS 3 system. In May 2019, the first live firing tests were conducted.[19]
NASAMS 3 comes with an updated Fire Distribution Center station, an "ADX" console that has ergonomic control surfaces and three 30" flat-panel displays.[20][21] The redesigned Mk 2 canister launcher can fire AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II short-range missiles and AMRAAM-ER missiles from its launching rails, in addition to AIM-120 AMRAAM.[22] AMRAAM-ER is an extended range upgrade, based upon an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile rocket motor, paired with a two-stage AMRAAM guidance head, expanding its engagement envelope, with a 50 percent increase in maximum range and 70 percent increase in maximum altitude,[23][3] giving a maximum range of about 50 km.[2] The extended range missile will have greater ability to take down fast flying and hard-maneuvering targets.[24] In May 2019, the AIM-9X Block II was test fired from NASAMS launchers at the Andøya Space Center in Norway.[25]
A new short-range 'Mobile Ground Based Air Defense System' configuration had been developed for initial deployment with Brigade Nord of the Norwegian Army.[26][27] Each battery includes six mobile IRIS-T SLS missile launchers mounted on tracked vehicles and three M1152A1 HMMWV-based High Mobility Launcher (HML) for the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which were originally developed for the U.S. Army SLAMRAAM project. They can be air-lifted by C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster.[28][29][30]
A High Mobility Launcher (HML) with four AIM-120 AMRAAM and two AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles
The High Mobility Launcher is capable of launching both AIM-120 and AIM-9X from its four launching rails, and can be equipped with two additional rails.[31] IRIS-T launchers and support vehicles will be based on the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) and upgraded M113 (M577A2) command vehicles.[32] They will be equipped with XENTA-M X-band radars designed by Weibel Scientific.[33][34][35][36]
In June 2019, Australia ordered a locally made version of NASAMS 3, with CEA tactical (CEATAC) and towed CEA operational (CEAOPS) AESA radars, High Mobility Launchers and radar carried on Hawkei PMV vehicles instead of HMMWV, and Fire Distribution Center shelters produced at the Raytheon Australia's facility at Mawson Lakes. The system includes Raytheon AN/AAS-52 Multispectral Targeting System (MTS)-A, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) guidance system with a high resolution day/night imaging sensor, and integrated laser rangefinder.[31] The ADF plans to spend A$2.5 billion on its NASAMS-based air-defence network.[37]
In October 2021, Raytheon announced that the NASAMS 3 will be upgraded with GhostEye MR, a new medium-range S-band AESA radar based on GhostEye (formerly LTAMDS) technology developed for the MIM-104 Patriot system.[38][39][40] In March 2022, Raytheon demonstrated that the High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) can be paired with NASAMS to destroy a swarm of drone targets.[41]
Missiles
Missiles of NASAMS: AMRAAM-ER, AMRAAM, Sidewinder
The AMRAAM is one of the most widely used air-to-air missiles in the world, and stockpiles of it are higher than any other comparable system. As NASAMS uses existing air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AMRAAM, and AMRAAM-ER, there may be thousands of older missiles in NATO's arsenal that can be fired from a NASAMS battery without change.[citation needed] The AIM-9X variant includes an internal cooling system, eliminating the need for launch-rail nitrogen supply required by older variants of the missile.
A report has described NASAMS as "extremely well suited to Ukraine because of the massive numbers of missiles that NATO and allies can supply, specifically for the air defence system."[42][43] In particular, older AMRAAM A and B models have been replaced, making available many older missiles which could be sent to Ukraine.[44] For example the UK government has offered to donate "[h]undreds of additional air defence missiles" including the AMRAAMs.[45]
In 2017, Lithuania ordered the NASAMS-3 to improve its own air defense capabilities; two batteries were delivered in 2020.[50]
In April 2017, Australia approved a single-supplier-limited Request for Tender (RFT) to Raytheon Australia to develop NASAMS for the ADF short-range ground-based air-defence system.[51] In June 2019, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (Norway) was awarded a US$185 million contract by Raytheon Australia for delivery of NASAMS components, while Raytheon Australia is the prime contractor to deliver NASAMS to the Australian Government Land 19 Phase 7B program.[52][53] The Australian version of NASAMS GBAD will use locally made components.[31] Defence minister Marise Payne announced first-pass approval in April 2017.[54] In September 2021, the first two Fire Distribution Centres for the Australian NASAMS passed factory acceptance tests.[37] In February 2022, the Mk2 canister for NASAMS launchers had been completed. It was planned to deliver three canister launchers in 2022.[55]
In 2019, Qatar placed an order for AMRAAM-ER missiles as part of a NASAMS purchase.[24]
On 1 July 2022, the United States through the Pentagon announced, as part of an $820 million military aid package to Ukraine, the delivery of NASAMS air defense systems through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[56] A US defence official said the existing Ukrainian air defense systems are Soviet-type systems, so over time it will be harder to sustain them. This is part of updating Ukrainian air defence from a Soviet-era system to a modern one.[57] The systems being supplied may come from Norwegian stocks and may be retired units.[58]
On 29 July 2022, the US DoD disclosed that it had started the formal process of acquiring two NASAMS batteries of 12 mobile launchers, each having six missiles, for Ukraine.[59] On 24 August 2022, the US DoD announced that it would provide six additional NASAMS units "with additional munitions" to Ukraine under the USAI.[60] The Pentagon said in late September 2022 that the NASAMS would start to be delivered in "two months or so".[61]
The initial NASAMS batteries for Ukraine arrived in early November 2022.[62] The Pentagon stated that NASAMS had a 100% success rate during the Russian missile strikes on 15 November 2022. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy disclosed that the system shot down 10 missiles out of 10 targeted.[63][64] The US government has been trying to obtain more NASAMS from Middle Eastern countries, as manufacturing a new system from scratch with the current production rates may take two years. According to Raytheon CEO Gregory J. Hayes, the systems obtained from the Middle Eastern countries would later be replaced by the new ones. However, Hayes denied that these Middle Eastern countries would have to wait 2 years to obtain new NASAMS: "Just because it takes 24 months to build, it doesn’t mean it’s going to take 24 months to get in [the] country."[65]
In April 2023, the Ukrainian Air Force said that NASAMS have destroyed more than 100 enemy missiles and drones.[66]
On February 26, 2024 the first Ukrainian NASAMS launcher was destroyed by Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia.[67]
On 27 February 2024, Raytheon successfully test fired an AMRAAM-ER from a NASAMS for the first time.[68]
As of 27 March 2024,Atleast 2 NASAMS launchers were destroyed by Russian forces[69]
Operators
NASAMS-1 operators
NASAMS-2 operators
NASAMS-3 operators
Awaiting delivery
NASAMS has been exported to the United States, with the NASAMS 2 upgrade having been exported to Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Oman, and Chile.[70][71]
There were 13 official operators as of September 2022. Kongsberg stated that NASAMS was in operational use in Norway, Spain, the United States, the Netherlands, Finland, Oman, Lithuania, Indonesia and "one undisclosed customer". The system is in production for Australia, Qatar, Hungary, and Ukraine. The NASAMS is in use with both armies and air forces around the world in addition to Poland, Greece, and Turkey operate the Kongsberg Command and Control solution for various weapon systems.[6]: 10
Australia – Contract for NASAMS-3 signed in March 2017, valued at A$2.5 billion.[72] The system will be locally-assembled by Raytheon Australia and will replace RBS-70 systems in service.[73] Australia received its first launchers in 2022.[74]
Hungary – Ordered in November 2020 in a $1b contract, with 60 pieces of AMRAAM C7/C8 missiles valued at $230M.[77][78][79] First two batteries delivered in 2023, other four batteries will be delivered by middle of 2024.[80]
Indonesia – Two NASAMS-2 batteries delivered and in service as of 2020.[81]
Lithuania – Two NASAMS-3 batteries delivered in 2020,[82] each with four launchers, as a part of a $128 million deal.[83] More systems for €200 million were ordered in December 2023.[84]
Netherlands – Two batteries in 2006, each consisting of 1 fire-control center, 1 AN/MPQ-64M2 radar and 3 launchers, with a HensoldtTRML-3D/32 search radar.[85][86]
Oman – Ordered in January 2014, for a sum of $1.28 billion.[87][88][89]
Spain – Four fire units NASAMS-2 acquired in 2003.[48][90]
Ukraine – Ukraine received the NASAMS system from the U.S. in November 2022, and another procurement by Canada in January 2023.[91][92][93][94] In March, 2023 Norway announced it would send two systems to Ukraine.[95] In May 2023, the U.S. approved the sale of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine. This regards the possible sale of air defence systems and related equipment at an estimated cost of $285 million.[96] Lithuania is purchasing two NASAMS launchers for Ukraine (not complete systems).[97] The U.S. government announced the purchase of another 4 batteries of NASAMS for Ukraine.[98]
Kuwait: Requested to buy 63 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); 63 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; 12 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems – Low Volume Terminal (MIDS LVT) Block Upgrade 2; and 12 MIDS LVT Cryptographic Modules. Approved by U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Military Sale in October 2022.[100]
Qatar – Ordered in July 2019.[101] Qatar is the first country to procure AMRAAM-ER, the surface-to-air extended-range variant.[24]
Taiwan – The U.S. government agreed to let Taiwan buy NASAMS air defense missile systems, during the annual Monterey Talks security meeting between both sides in Annapolis in June 2022. Taiwan will be allowed to buy the latest variant of NASAMS, which can fire AIM-9X, AMRAAM, and AMRAAM-ER missiles.[102] Taiwan decided to purchase "more than four" NASAMS systems, following the U.S. government's approval. The purchase will not be carried out until 2024, due to the demand on production capabilities for Ukraine.[103]
India: In 2018, India seriously considered acquiring NASAMS, but ultimately did not. The Indian Air Force said that it preferred to invest in the country's own multi-tiered Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program.[106]
Estonia and Latvia: In 2022, Latvia and Estonia signed a letter of intent on a joint purchase of medium-range air defense systems.[107] NASAMS was considered as a likely candidate. In May 2023, the Latvian and Estonian governments announced the decision to jointly procure the IRIS-T SLM systems.[108]
^Christensen, Maj. Ola K. (2005-03-08). "The Norwegian Solution!". Battle Griffin 2005 (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 2005-11-16. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
