Lithuania uses a NASAMS surface-to-air missile system with SL-AMRAAM missiles for the first time in an exercise

Lithuanian forces have deployed a NASAMS surface-to-air missile system for the first time. This was announced by the Lithuanian Armed Forces press service.

Here's What We Know

NASAMS was deployed within the framework of exercise Geležinis vilkas 2023-I, which began on May 8 and will end on May 20. The Lithuanian Armed Forces have published photos showing the preparation process of the air defence system.

The air defence system uses AIM-120 AMRAAM aircraft missiles modified for launch from ground-based launchers. This version of the munition is called SL-AMRAAM.

Lithuania announced its purchase of NASAMS in autumn 2017. The Baltic country received the surface-to-air missile systems in 2020. The purchase of the Norwegian system, developed by Kongsberg, cost €110 million (~$119 million at current exchange rates).

NASAMS is a medium-range air defense system. It is designed to counter manoeuvring aerial threats at altitudes up to 16km and ranges up to 40km. The surface-to-air missile system can intercept air targets that travel at speeds of up to 1 km/sec.

Source: Lietuvos Kariuomene