Focus: NASAMS air defense system intercepts over 900 Russian missiles with 94 percent effectiveness in Ukraine.

As of late February 2025, the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) has proven to be an exceptionally effective air defense system for Ukraine, particularly in intercepting Russian missile and drone attacks. According to Colonel Per Steinar Trøite, head of the Norwegian Air Force’s support department for Ukraine, the NASAMS systems deployed to Ukraine have achieved an outstanding 94 percent effectiveness rate, a figure that highlights the advanced capabilities of this air defense system in real-world combat. In an interview with Aftenposten, Norway's largest daily newspaper, Colonel Trøite detailed the significant impact of NASAMS, revealing that it has successfully intercepted over 900 cruise missiles and drones, with more than 60 percent of these targets being cruise missiles, which are notoriously difficult to defend against.
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A NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) launcher unit ready for deployment, providing advanced air defense capabilities against a wide range of aerial threats. (Picture source: Norway MoD)

This level of effectiveness, combined with the high volume of intercepted threats, underscores the precision and reliability of NASAMS air defense missile system in countering Russian missile and drone offensives. The system's ability to down over 900 aerial threats with a 94 percent success rate is a remarkable achievement in modern warfare and represents a crucial advancement in Ukraine’s ability to protect its airspace and critical infrastructure. These figures not only speak to the quality of NASAMS but also highlight the importance of Western air defense systems in strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, several countries have stepped up to deliver NASAMS systems to bolster Ukraine's defense. Norway was one of the first nations to supply the system, contributing the initial batch of NASAMS systems early in the conflict. The United States followed suit, providing additional systems to further enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. By early 2025, Ukraine had received at least three NASAMS batteries, with each battery comprising several launchers and radar systems, significantly augmenting its ability to intercept a variety of airborne threats.

In addition to the initial contributions from Norway and the United States, other NATO members have also provided technical support and components, such as radar systems and missiles, which integrate with the NASAMS framework. While specific quantities of NASAMS systems delivered are not always disclosed, the combined contributions from these countries have strengthened Ukraine’s layered air defense network, which is designed to protect key military installations, cities, and civilian infrastructure.

NASAMS is a cutting-edge air defense system that combines several advanced technologies to provide comprehensive protection against a range of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. The system’s multi-layered defense architecture allows it to intercept both high-altitude and low-altitude targets with high precision, making it effective against a wide variety of threats.

At the heart of NASAMS is its Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the AIM-120 missile, which has been adapted for surface-to-air launches. The system is designed to work in conjunction with a sophisticated radar and fire control system. The AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar is used to detect, track, and engage targets at a range of up to 120 kilometers (about 75 miles), depending on the type of target and the operational conditions. The radar is capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, allowing NASAMS to defend against several incoming threats at once.

One of NASAMS’ most significant advantages is its ability to rapidly detect and respond to a wide variety of threats. The system’s Command and Control (C2) network integrates seamlessly with other air defense systems, enabling a highly coordinated defense effort. This capability is particularly valuable for Ukraine, where coordinated defense across multiple layers is necessary to protect vital assets.

The system’s missile engagement can be executed at varying ranges depending on the type of target. For example, while the AIM-120 missile has an effective range of up to 180 kilometers against some targets, NASAMS typically engages threats at a closer range—often between 25 to 50 kilometers—to maximize interception accuracy and minimize the risk of a missile getting through. This makes NASAMS particularly effective against cruise missiles, which are commonly used in Russia's aerial bombardment campaigns. The 94 percent effectiveness rate reported by Colonel Trøite reflects the system’s superior targeting and interception capabilities.

In addition to its missile defense capabilities, NASAMS also provides a robust defense against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a growing concern in modern warfare. Russia’s use of both surveillance and combat drones to attack Ukrainian positions has been a persistent threat. NASAMS, with its advanced tracking and missile engagement systems, is particularly effective at intercepting UAVs before they can cause significant damage. This capability is vital, given the growing use of drones on the battlefield.

Moreover, NASAMS' modular design allows for flexible deployment in a variety of settings, from fixed installations to mobile units that can be quickly repositioned. This mobility makes NASAMS a highly adaptable solution, whether deployed to defend strategic military sites or used in broader area defense operations.

The delivery of NASAMS to Ukraine has significantly strengthened the country’s air defense capabilities, especially in the face of Russia's large-scale missile and drone strikes. As Colonel Trøite pointed out, the success of NASAMS in intercepting over 900 aerial threats, including more than 500 cruise missiles, has been a crucial factor in mitigating the damage caused by Russian missile campaigns. In the broader context of Ukraine’s defense strategy, the 94 percent interception rate of NASAMS complements other air defense systems, creating a multi-layered defense network that can protect critical infrastructure from a wide array of missile and aerial threats.

The continued supply of NASAMS and similar advanced systems will be essential for Ukraine as the war progresses. The success of NASAMS in countering Russia’s missile and drone tactics highlights the importance of Western defense support in ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and its ability to resist external aggression. With the impressive 900+ intercepts, NATO's contributions are playing a pivotal role in Ukraine’s defensive efforts and in shaping the future of the conflict.

The NASAMS air defense missile system, with its advanced radar capabilities, highly effective missile interceptors, and modular design, has emerged as one of the most effective tools in Ukraine’s defense arsenal. The continued deliveries from NATO countries, including Norway and the United States, are enhancing Ukraine’s capacity to safeguard its airspace and critical infrastructure against Russian aerial threats. As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, systems like NASAMS will remain central to the country's efforts to defend itself and maintain its sovereignty in the face of ongoing Russian invasion.