Ukrainian NASAMS air defense systems have already destroyed over 100 enemy targets – Ukrainian Air Force
9 April, 2023 Missile launch from the Ukrainian NASAMS air defense system. Frame from the Air Force`s video The Ukrainian Air Force demonstrated the work of the NASAMS air defense system.
A video featuring the work of the air defense system was published on social media. Over the five months of operation of the air defense systems in Ukraine, they destroyed over 100 targets, including enemy cruise missiles and drones. Military personnel that are operating the systems were trained in the USA.
They report the system to be easy to manage and efficient. The system is automated and easier than the S-300 surface-to-air missile system, which was previously used by the servicemen.
The NASAMS air defense system radar detects targets at a distance of up to 120 km. "This is an ordinary radar, but it is improved, it includes a computer, it serves as a control panel, and on it, the crew can immediately spot the air situation. Everything is much simpler and more reliable here...
We observe the entire situation on the radar, including the departure of low-flying targets, and we work in seven different modes... We could spot targets up to 120 kilometers away," the military said.
- NASAMS air defense radar. A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
- NASAMS air defense radar.
A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
- NASAMS air defense radar. A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
They also demonstrated the workplaces of the combat service of the system. Soldiers observe the air situation and identify targets.
"The air situation report is here, and everything happens very quickly - you simply press on the target with your finger, because this is a touch screen, or select it with the mouse cursor. The combat control officer gives the "Target fire order" - this is the mode of conducting combat operations. The officer presses this button and can move from there.
Everything within this sector will be automatically destroyed," said Mykyta, NASAMS air defense system division commander.
- The workplace of the NASAMS air defense system crew. Frame from the video
- "Fire Mode" button on the control point of the NASAMS air defense system. Frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
The published video also includes footage featuring the direct combat operation of the air defense system.
One launcher destroyed 6 enemy cruise missiles. The military share that this is one of the most combat-ready launchers of the system.
NASAMS air defense system launcher.
A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
"We are doing everything to ensure that the anti-aircraft missile brigade has a new generation of the air defense system. In the future, I see that this brigade will abandon the old air defense systems. I think that in the near future, the anti-aircraft missile brigade will be armed with all the latest missile systems that will be in Ukraine," said Mykola Oleschuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Wishes from the US military, who trained Ukrainian soldiers in the USA.
Frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
The Air Force of Ukraine currently has two batteries of NASAMS air defense systems.
Also, the United States placed an order for six more systems and Canada for one as part of military assistance to Ukraine.
Norway also recently announced plans to provide Ukraine with two complete NASAMS firing units.