The Norwegian government has signed a contract worth approximately NOK 1 billion (100 million USD) with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for additional components of the NASAMS air defence system. The deal aims to reinforce Norway’s air defence capabilities and improve protection against aerial threats.
Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik stated, “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.”
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, added, “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.”
Originally co-developed by KONGSBERG and Raytheon in the 1990s, the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is now operated by 13 countries.
Director Gro Jære of the Defence Materiel Agency said, “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.”
Under the contract, existing NASAMS batteries will receive upgraded command posts, wheeled communication nodes and new THOR Combat Net Radios, replacing the current MRR systems. The new equipment will enhance communication capacity, speed, and overall system flexibility.
Improved mobility, faster command response, and better dispersion capabilities are expected to increase the survivability of Norway’s air defence assets. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has also ordered components with long lead times to enable rapid future system deliveries in line with the country’s long-term defence strategy.