Norway invests $1 billion in its own air defense

15 November, 2023 NASAMS air defense missile launch. Photo from open sources The Norwegian government plans to purchase a new generation of NASAMS air defense systems, along with modern interceptor missiles.

This was reported on the website of the Norwegian government. The government proposes to invest approximately £1.15 billion to strengthen its air defense. However, this plan will require parliamentary approval.

The new project involves the purchase of eight launchers and four NASAMS III command posts for approximately £212 million. The system's elements will be ordered from Norwegian Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace. They are to compensate for the air defense elements previously transferred to Ukraine.

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Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram next to the NASAMS missile launcher. Photo credits: Asgeir Spange Brekke

The most costly part of the program will be to replace the obsolete AIM-120B AMRAAM missiles in service, which will go out of service in a few years. The old AIM-120B should be replaced by three modern interceptor missiles:

AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missiles;
AIM-120C AMRAAM medium-range missiles;
AMRAAM-ER longer-range missiles.

The use of longer-range AMRAAM-ER missiles should significantly increase the radius of air target interception by the NASAMS system.

When launched from a ground launcher, the declared maximum range of hitting targets with this missile is 40 kilometers. According to Kongsberg, the range of the AMRAAM-ER compared to the basic AIM-120C7 missile is increased by 50%, and the height is increased by 70%. At the same time, the use of the AIM-9X with infrared homing should increase the effectiveness of intercepting maneuverable targets at short distances.

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NASAMS III launcher with AIM-120C, AMRAAM-ER, and AIM-9X missiles.

The number of missiles offered for order is not announced, but the project's total cost will be £866 million.

Rearmament may take place as early as 2024 and 2025.

NASAMS is expected to be delivered in 2026, with new missiles arriving by 2028.