Norway orders NASAMS to replace systems sent to Ukraine

The NDMA has ordered NASAMS from Kongsberg to replace systems donated to Ukraine, with deliveries to the Norwegian Armed Forces expected in 2026–27. (Forsvaret)

The Norwegian government has ordered new National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMSs) from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to replace systems donated to Ukraine, the company announced in a press release on 31 January. Kongsberg valued the contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) at approximately NOK1.4 billion (USD133 million), with deliveries expected in 2026–27.

The order includes new multimissile canister launchers and new fire distribution centres (FDCs) for NASAMS. Kongsberg said, “The delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats.”

A company spokesperson told Janes on 1 February, “The new system comes with some significant improvements compared with the older systems. These include the latest generation FDCs with updated technology and a multimissile launcher that can fire AIM-9X block 2 and AMRAAM [Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile] Extended Range (ER), in addition to the standard AMRAAM, from the same launcher.” He declined to give details about the updated technology.

Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said, “The war in Ukraine has shown how important air defence is, and before Christmas, the Norwegian government was able to present a record order for air defence to the Norwegian Armed Forces. We have taken extraordinary measures to speed up the acquisition. The contract for the re-acquisition of donated material is the first step.”

Gram was referring to the 15 November 2023 announcement by the Norwegian government, Kongsberg, and Nammo of investment plans for NASAMS launchers, fire-control centres, and missiles for the Norwegian Armed Forces.