The Norwegian government has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to procure new NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defense systems, a move aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities against aerial threats.
The contract, valued at up to NOK 4.8 billion ($440 million), includes options and is expected to result in deliveries starting from 2027.
“Air defense is crucial for the defense of both Norway and Ukraine. We are now increasing volume and upgrading the existing NASAMS system with modern equipment capable of intercepting a variety of threats,” said Norway’s Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram. “The current security situation dictates that we must accelerate the development of air defense and the upgrade of NASAMS. This agreement ensures rapid delivery to the Armed Forces and contributes to increasing production capacity in the defense industry.”
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of the new air defense systems: “A state-of-the-art air defense system is strategically important for Norway’s defense 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.”
The contract also includes a fixed-price option worth NOK 2.5 billion for additional air defense systems, valid until January 2025. Pending parliamentary approval, the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) could acquire four completely new NASAMS batteries within just one year.
The original NASAMS was delivered to the Norwegian armed forces in the 1990s. Today, there are 13 nations in the NASAMS user group. The system’s modularity and open architecture enable the continuous introduction of new technology and capabilities, ensuring it can adapt to evolving threats and missions throughout its lifespan. NASAMS is renowned for its flexibility, covering a wide range of air defense needs.