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The Norwegian government has ordered more NASAMS air defence systems from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities to combat aerial threats in a contract worth 2.7 billion kroner (AU$382.3 million).
The contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency includes new multi-missile canister launchers and new fire distribution centres for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), replacing equipment previously donated to Ukraine and expanding overall capacity.
In June 2024, Norway announced investments in new NASAMS, which included an option for further acquisitions. This option has now been exercised.
Norway’s Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said, “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.”
NASAMS was initially developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon in the United States for the Norwegian Armed Forces during the 1990s. Today, 13 nations are part of the NASAMS user group, including Australia through the LAND 19 Short Range Ground Based Air Defence program.
Director Gro Jære of the Defence Materiel Agency said, “Air defence is one of the highest priority areas in the new long-term spending plan. We are therefore pleased to have quickly translated plans into action and ensured that the Armed Forces receive modern equipment that strengthens Norwegian and allied security.”
NASAMS’ modularity and open architecture allow for the ongoing integration of new technology and capabilities, ensuring the system remains adaptable to emerging threats and evolving missions throughout its lifespan. NASAMS is one of the most versatile air defence solutions available, catering to a broad range of operational requirements.
The AU$2.5 billion contract will bring a transformational change to the Army’s existing force protection capability, including a progression from man-portable ground-based air defence capability to a fully networked and distributed system.
NASAMS, when partnered with advanced radar systems designed and manufactured by Canberra-based company CEA Technologies, will allow the Army to counter complex air threats beyond visual range and significantly increase protection coverage for Australian soldiers.
Australia’s NASAMS capability will also include CEA tactical and towed CEA operational AESA radars, high-mobility launchers and radar carried on Hawkei protected mobility vehicles, along with Raytheon’s AN/AAS-52 Multispectral Targeting System.
The capability will be sustained primarily through Australian-based support arrangements, with support contracts now in place with CEA Technologies and Raytheon Australia.
