Norway to purchase NASAMS III systems with AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM and AMRAAM-ER missile interceptors for more than $1bn

Norway is investing more than $1 billion to strengthen its air defence system. The Scandinavian country will purchase NASAMS III surface-to-air missile systems along with modern interceptors.

Here's What We Know

NASAMS III will provide defences against drones, cruise missiles, planes and helicopters. Norway will spend more than $210 million to acquire eight launchers and four command centres. They will replace the systems that were transferred to Ukraine.

The Defence Ministry also intends to replace the old AIM-120B AMARAAM missiles with new interceptors. For this purpose, approximately $900 million more will be allocated from the budget.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120C AMRAAM and AMRAAM-ER missiles will provide airspace defence at short, medium and long ranges respectively. In particular, Kongsberg claims that the range of the AMRAAM-ER has been increased by one and a half times compared to the AMRAAM, while the altitude has been increased by 70 per cent.

It is currently unknown how many missiles Norway intends to order. Deliveries will be completed by 2028. At the same time, Kongsberg will be able to deliver the NASAMS III launchers to the customer two years earlier.

Source: Government of Norway