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Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has signed a €200 million ($327.8 million) contract with the government of Lithuania for the delivery of more NASAMS air defence systems.
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As part of the contract, Lithuania will also modernise parts of the country’s existing NASAMS equipment it acquired in 2017. As part of this modernisation, Lithuania will have the most modern and efficient configuration of Kongsberg’s advanced air defence system.
Greta Monika Tučkutė, Lithuania’s Vice Minister of National Defence, explained the importance of the NASAMS system for the Baltic state in light of mounting tension with Russia following the rogue superpower’s invasion of Ukraine, saying: “We are significantly strengthening Lithuania’s air defence capabilities. The main reason for the decision is that the NASAMS system is already successfully operated by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, so the additional acquisition of NASAMS will not create integration problems.”
The system consists of Raytheon’s Sentinel radar and three advanced missile variants, as well as Kongsberg’s Fire Distribution Center (FDC) and multi-missile launchers.
Tom Laliberty, president of land and air defense systems at Raytheon, added: “We continue to see growing demand for NASAMS, as Lithuania and other allied nations around the globe look to counter the proliferation of advanced aerial threats. With decades of continual technological innovation and a legacy of combat-proven performance, NASAMS will continue to deliver unmatched medium-range air defence for Lithuania.”
NASAMS’ modularity and open architecture enable the continuous introduction of new technology, which ensures that the system can be adapted to new threats and missions throughout its lifetime. NASAMS is one of the market’s most flexible solutions that cover a wide range of air defence needs.
Earlier this year, Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence purchased NASAMS missile launchers for donation to Ukraine, where the system has contributed to the protection of people and critical infrastructure.
Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, added: “Expanding its air defence capability with more NASAMS supports Lithuania’s ability to more effectively combat modern air threats and also strengthens the country’s partnership with NATO.”
