Norway’s decision to provide two firing units of the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-air Missile System (NASAMS) to Ukraine has garnered attention in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This essay explores what the NASAMS air defence system is, how it works, and its potential impact on the conflict.
What is NASAMS Air Defense System?
NASAMS, or National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, is a medium-range ground-based air defence system developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. It was primarily designed for the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) to protect against air-to-surface threats posed by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system is also capable of protecting critical assets and mass-populated areas against air-based threats.
NASAMS has undergone several upgrades since its introduction, including NASAMS 2 and NASAMS 3, which were inducted in 2007 and 2019, respectively. The system is equipped with radar, infrared sensors, and missile canister launchers. It is a mobile weapons system that can easily be moved around on a few vehicles.
- Has a maximum range of 50 km
- Fitted with a fire distribution centre (FDC) command-and-control unit
- Performs battle management command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (BMC4I) functions
- Can function in all weather, day and night mode
- Has a 360° defence capability
- Has multi-mission launch capability
- Equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder and IRIS-T SLS short-range missiles, which have a range of 25 km
- Equipped with AMRAAM-ER extended-range missiles, which have a range of 50 km
How will it affect the Russia-Ukraine war?
The NASAMS air defence system will bolster Ukraine’s defences against Russian aggression. Ukraine has been at war with Russia since 2014, and the conflict has escalated in recent years. Russia has been accused of supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, and Ukraine has accused Russia of invading its territory.
The addition of NASAMS to Ukraine’s military arsenal will make it more difficult for Russia to conduct air strikes and reconnaissance missions on Ukrainian soil. The system’s ability to identify and destroy enemy targets, including aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs, will give Ukraine an edge in the ongoing conflict. The system’s mobility also means that it can be quickly deployed to any location, providing Ukrainian forces with a flexible defence.
Moreover, the provision of NASAMS to Ukraine is a significant step towards building closer ties between Norway and Ukraine. It also underscores Norway’s commitment to supporting its NATO allies and partners in Europe. The move is likely to be welcomed by other NATO countries, who have been concerned about Russia’s aggressive behaviour in the region.
MCQs about NASAMS Air Defense System
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What is the primary weapon used by the NASAMS Air Defense System?
A. AIM-9 Sidewinder
B. IRIS-T SLS
C. AMRAAM-ER
D. AIM-120 AMRAAM
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What is the maximum range of the NASAMS 3 system?
A. 25 km
B. 50 km
C. 75 km
D. 100 km
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What is the upgraded NASAMS 3 equipped with that the NASAMS 2 does not have?
A. AIM-9 Sidewinder
B. IRIS-T SLS
C. AMRAAM-ER
D. Fire distribution centre (FDC) command-and-control unit
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What type of threats can the NASAMS Air Defense System protect against?
A. Ground-to-air threats
B. Air-to-air threats
C. Air-to-surface threats
D. Surface-to-surface threats
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