US AIM-9X missiles may confirm Ukraine has received latest NASAMS 3 air defense systems.

According to John Ridge on May 27, 2024, recent video evidence suggests that Ukraine has received AIM-9X missiles for use with their NASAMS units. This indicates that the country also received the latest NASAMS 3 surface-to-air missile system, which is the only version capable of firing this variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. Additionally, Ukraine has been converting AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, originally intended for F-16 aircraft, into surface-to-air missiles.
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The use of AIM-9X surface-to-air missiles indicates that Ukraine also received the NASAMS 3 surface-to-air missile system, which is the only version capable of firing this variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. (Picture source: United24)

The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) was developed through a collaboration between the Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the American Raytheon Technologies. Initially operational in 1994, NASAMS was created to replace Norway's older MIM-23 HAWK ("Homing All the Way Killer") missile system. The system's networked architecture allows it to cover larger areas and provides quicker reaction times compared to earlier air defense systems. NASAMS has been adopted by 12 countries, including the United States, Norway, Finland, and Spain. Ukraine has received NASAMS systems as part of international military aid in response to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

To date, the donations and pledges of NASAMS to Ukraine have been significant, involving contributions from multiple countries. Canada has pledged one complete NASAMS battery, while Norway has committed to providing a total of 6 NASAMS command posts and 12 NASAMS launchers. Additionally, there are anonymous contributions of 2 NASAMS Launchers, which have been delivered, and a pledge of 12 NASAMS Batteries, with 4 already delivered. This assistance includes not only the delivery of the systems but also training for Ukrainian personnel on their operation and maintenance.

The NASAMS system consists of three main components: the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar, the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), and the Fire Distribution Center (FDC). The Sentinel Radar offers 360-degree coverage and detects various aerial threats, including UAVs, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Each NASAMS battery includes multiple launchers, with each launcher capable of carrying up to six missiles. The AMRAAM missiles have a range of about 25 miles and can engage targets in both active and passive modes. This setup enables NASAMS to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, providing effective air defense capabilities.

The NASAMS 3, introduced in 2019, features several improvements over previous versions. These enhancements include an updated Fire Distribution Center with advanced ergonomic controls and large displays for better operator situational awareness. The NASAMS 3 also includes the new Mk 2 canister launcher, making it the only version capable of firing both AIM-9X Sidewinder and AMRAAM-ER missiles in addition to the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The AMRAAM-ER missile offers extended range and altitude capabilities compared to the AIM-120, with a 50 percent increase in maximum range and a 70 percent increase in maximum altitude.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is the latest iteration in the AIM-9 series of short-range air-to-air missiles, including infrared-tracking capabilities and a high off-boresight focal plane array seeker to engage targets beyond visual range. The missile features thrust vector control for enhanced maneuverability and a lock-on-after-launch capability. It is powered by an ATK MK-139 solid-propellant rocket motor, carries an annular blast fragmentation warhead, and measures 3.02 meters in length, weighs 84 kilograms, and has a wingspan of 0.45 meters. Its infrared homing guidance system allows for target acquisition and tracking using passive IR energy, functioning effectively even in environments with electronic countermeasures. The missile's range exceeds 16 kilometers, though the exact distance is classified.

Further information from the Financial Times reveals that Ukraine has been converting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, originally intended for F-16 aircraft, into surface-to-air missiles. A high-ranking Ukrainian official confirmed that these missiles, which were initially out of operation, have been repurposed for ground launches. This adaptation is seen as a form of self-made air defense, which is critical for Ukraine, especially with the anticipated Russian attacks on energy infrastructure during the winter.

The official emphasized that while these converted missiles are essential for the current situation, they are not a long-term solution. This initiative is part of a broader strategy where obsolete materials from the US military are transformed into functional weapons. The AIM-9 Sidewinder, a US short-range air-to-air missile developed in the mid-1950s, has seen over 200,000 launches since its inception, making it one of the most widely used missiles in history.