Ukraine may start integrating its own air defence assets into the NASAMS system
Ukraine is considering the possibility of integrating its own air defence systems into the NASAMS system, which should increase its combat capabilities.
Here's What We Know
This was announced by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov following a meeting with Erik Lee, CEO of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA and president of its defence division Kongsberg Defence Aerospace.
Kongsberg, together with the US-based Raytheon Technologies, is supplying Ukraine with NASAMS air defence systems as part of international military assistance.
"This company has already been providing significant support to Ukraine. It is Kongsberg, together with Raytheon, that is involved in the supply of NASAMS air defence systems that reliably protect our cities from air attacks," the Defence Minister said.
The parties analysed the possibilities of integrating Ukrainian air defence systems into NASAMS, but the details of the project remain closed due to its sensitivity.
The meeting also discussed anti-drone systems and the possibility of localising their production in Ukraine, as well as the development of the Ukrainian Defence Forces' maritime capabilities.
For those who don't know
NASAMS is an anti-aircraft missile system developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg of Norway. It uses AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missiles to engage targets at distances of 2.5-25 km and altitudes of up to 14-15 km. Updated versions of the system are also equipped with short-range AIM-9X and AMRAAM-ER missiles capable of intercepting targets at distances up to 40 km.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
