Norway invests $1 billion in its own air defense

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.

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.

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.