Lithuania acquires more NASAMS air defense missile systems from KONGSBERG of Norway.

Vilnius, Lithuania, December 15, 2023: In a significant move to enhance its national security, Lithuania has finalized a deal with Norwegian Company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) for additional NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) air defense systems. This EUR 200 million contract marks a crucial step in Lithuania's efforts to modernize and strengthen its air defense capabilities.
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A NASAMS surface-to-air missile is fired during the military exercise Formidable Shield 2023. (Picture source Norway MoD)

The latest agreement follows Lithuania's initial acquisition of NASAMS in 2017, reflecting the country's continued trust in KONGSBERG's technology. This procurement will not only increase the number of systems at Lithuania's disposal but also include upgrades to the existing NASAMS equipment, ensuring Lithuania possesses the most current and efficient configuration of this advanced air defense system.

Greta Monika Tučkutė, Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence, emphasized the strategic importance of this decision. "The acquisition of more NASAMS systems significantly boosts our air defense, leveraging the system's proven effectiveness with the Lithuanian Armed Forces. This expansion ensures seamless integration with our existing defense infrastructure," she stated.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, highlighted the broader implications of this acquisition. "By enhancing its NASAMS capabilities, Lithuania not only fortifies its defenses against modern air threats but also reinforces its commitment to NATO partnerships," he remarked.

NASAMS is a comprehensive system incorporating Raytheon’s Sentinel radar, three types of advanced missiles, KONGSBERG's Fire Distribution Center (FDC), and multi-missile launchers. This combination offers a robust defense against various aerial threats.

Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, underlined the growing global demand for NASAMS. "Countries worldwide, including Lithuania, are recognizing the need to counter advanced aerial threats. NASAMS, with its legacy of combat-proven performance and continual technological evolution, is well-positioned to provide medium-range air defense solutions," he said.

Earlier this year, Lithuania demonstrated its commitment to international security by purchasing NASAMS missile launchers for Ukraine. These systems have played a crucial role in protecting Ukrainian people and infrastructure.

The modular design and open architecture of NASAMS allow for the ongoing integration of new technology, ensuring adaptability to emerging threats and missions. Its versatility makes NASAMS one of the most flexible air defense solutions on the market, addressing a wide spectrum of air defense needs.

With this latest acquisition, Lithuania reinforces its standing in the international user community of NASAMS, which now includes 13 nations. This strategic investment underscores Lithuania's commitment to maintaining a robust, future-proof defense system.

NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) represents a cutting-edge medium-range air defense solution, collaboratively developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Raytheon. Primarily designed to counter a diverse array of aerial threats, NASAMS stands out for its multi-target engagement capacity. It employs sophisticated radar and sensor systems, enabling the tracking and interception of numerous aerial threats concurrently. These threats include manned and unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, showcasing the system's versatility and adaptability to a range of combat scenarios.

A key aspect of NASAMS is its impressive operational range and altitude coverage. The system is capable of detecting and engaging targets at significant distances, which extends its protective reach. The inclusion of various missile types, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, enhances its operational flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on specific mission requirements. Furthermore, NASAMS' modular design and open architecture facilitate seamless integration with existing defense infrastructure and easy upgrades, ensuring long-term relevance and adaptability to evolving aerial threats. This combination of advanced target engagement capabilities, extensive range and altitude coverage, and modular design positions NASAMS as a top-tier air defense solution globally.

Defense News December 2023