The Norwegian government has awarded a new contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) for the delivery of additional components for the NASAMS air defence system, enhancing the country’s capacity to counter modern aerial threats. The agreement, valued at around NOK 1 billion, underscores Norway’s long-term commitment to strengthening its national air defence network.
“The government is prioritising strengthening our air defence. This agreement is an important step in ensuring increased response capacity and protection of Norwegian forces and critical infrastructure,” said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
Strategic Importance of NASAMS
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), co-developed by KONGSBERG and Raytheon in the 1990s, remains the cornerstone of Norway’s air defence architecture. The system, known for its flexibility and network-centric design, is currently operated by 13 countries under the NASAMS user group.
According to Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the latest acquisition will provide Norway with an upgraded version of NASAMS designed to meet evolving security challenges.
“The NASAMS air defence system is strategically important for Norway’s defence capabilities and is vital for safeguarding our national security interests. This delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats,” Lie said.
Upgraded Components and Capabilities
Under the new contract, Norway’s NASAMS batteries will receive modern command posts, wheeled communication nodes, and advanced radios to improve connectivity and battlefield coordination.
The MRR radios currently in service will be replaced by KONGSBERG’s THOR Combat Net Radio, providing greater data capacity, improved encryption, and multi-channel operations.
“With this acquisition, we ensure that the NASAMS departments receive flexible and modern command posts and communication systems that provide faster decision support, higher tempo, and increased survivability,” said Gro Jære, Director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA).
Enhancing Mobility and Survivability
The upgraded system will enhance mobility and dispersal, allowing NASAMS units to reposition rapidly in response to dynamic aerial threats. Increased automation and improved data integration will enable quicker decision-making and a higher operational tempo.
The NDMA has also ordered additional NASAMS components with long lead times to ensure rapid delivery of future systems, in line with the Long-Term Plan for the Defence Sector.
A Key Step in Norway’s Defence Modernization
Norway’s investment in NASAMS is part of a broader modernization effort to improve its integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) capabilities amid growing regional security challenges. The new systems will not only bolster homeland defence but also enhance interoperability with NATO partners.
