Ukraine may have gotten long-range missiles for the NASAMS air defense system

7 August, 2023 AMRAAM-ER missile launch from the Norwegian NASAMS SAM. Photo from open sources The Ukrainian military demonstrated the launch of an unknown missile from the NASAMS air defense system, visually similar to the long-range AMRAAM-ER.

The video of the launch was published by the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force on its social networks. AMRAAM-ER was specially developed by Raytheon for use as part of the NASAMS air defense system based on the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. The published video does not allow to clearly identify the system due to its relatively low quality, but the characteristic contours with "thickening" from the wings in the middle of the fuselage correspond to the forms of a long-range missile.

It is known that Raytheon and Kongsberg from 2021 to 2022 were engaged in testing the missile, which ended with qualification firings and confirmation of the declared specifications.

Structurally, the AMRAAM-ER repeats the RIM-162 ESSM: they are equipped with the same solid fuel rocket motor and a warhead weighing 39 kilograms, which is 19 kg more than the similar one in the AIM-120C7 AMRAAM. From the latter, the new missile borrowed an active radar homing head and a control system.

Launch of the AMRAAM-ER missile from the NASAMS air defense system

RIM-162 ESSM missile launch. Photo from open sources

The declared maximum range of hitting targets by a missile launched from a ground launcher is 40 kilometers.

Kongsberg representatives also emphasize that the range of the AMRAAM-ER compared to the basic AIM-120C7 missile is increased by 50%, while the height - by 70%. For example, the maximum firing range of NASAMS using AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles is 25 km, and the altitude is 14-15 km.

Launch of an AIM-120C AMRAAM missile from the NASAMS air defense system. Photo from open sources

After the integration of the new missile, in terms of range and altitude, NASAMS reaches the level of medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Russian Buk-M2 or the German Iris-T SLM.

Given that the new missile only recently completed its test cycle, the United States may be interested in using it against Russian weapon systems. The experience of countermeasures against Russian stealthy Kh-101 cruise missiles can be especially valuable. According to open data, long-range missiles can use NASAMS III SAM launchers and upgraded versions of NASAMS II.

Currently, the Air Force of Ukraine has two batteries of NASAMS II air defense systems.

Besides, as part of military aid to Ukraine, six more systems were ordered by the United States and one by Canada.

Norway has also announced plans to transfer two fire platoons of this air defense system of an unknown modification.