Germany Plans to Supply Norway's New NOMADS Air Defense System to Ukraine.

In June 2024, Norwegian company Kongsberg unveiled its new short-range mobile air defense system (M-SHORAD), the NOMADS (National Maneuver Air Defense System), at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris. Following a 2019 contract, the Norwegian army has ordered six vehicles, three of which have already been delivered. The Netherlands has also expressed interest in acquiring 18 of these vehicles. Germany has proposed supplying this new defense system to Ukraine. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The NOMAD includes two launch canisters, each capable of holding two missiles, and a 3D AESA radar from Weibel Scientific in Denmark (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

NOMADS is a modular system adaptable to various vehicles, paired with a Command and Control (C2) suite. Norway operates it on a German company FFG’s ACSV G5, but any vehicle meeting the dimensional and payload requirements could theoretically host it. The module includes two launch canisters, each capable of holding two missiles, and a 3D AESA radar from Weibel Scientific in Denmark. A remotely operated firing station with day/night and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder, is mounted on the superstructure.

Initially designed to fire IRIS-T missiles from Diehl Defence, NOMADS will now use Raytheon's AIM-9X-II Sidewinder missiles due to the near-exclusive production of IRIS-T for Ukraine. With Raytheon having increased the production capacity of AIM-9X-II, these missiles appear as a more viable solution for future NOMADS clients. However, the full integration of these missiles into the system will not be completed until 2026 to 2028, according to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.

NOMADS is fully integrated with NASAMS and other NATO systems via Link 16. Its autonomous capabilities and networking allow multiple vehicles to operate together, thus forming a broader air defense network. The XENTA-M radar it utilizes offers 360-degree coverage and can detect aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Germany is considering providing this system to Ukraine to enhance its air defense, particularly to protect frontline units. However, NOMADS’ limited ammunition capacity, with only four missiles, could pose a challenge, especially in high-intensity environments like Ukraine.

The potential of this system is significant due to its modularity and ability to integrate with indigenous platforms. If the challenge of ammunition capacity can be addressed, NOMADS could attract many more clients within NATO and beyond. For the Ukrainian military, having a diverse air defense arsenal is crucial given the ongoing intensity of Russian strikes.

While Ukraine is already equipped with advanced systems such as Patriot and SAMP/T, adding the NOMADS system would be particularly relevant. Indeed, NOMADS offers a mobile and adaptable solution, capable of bolstering close defense lines and effectively protecting frontline units.

NOMADS’ ability to integrate with other existing defense systems through the Link 16 network makes it a strategic asset for addressing multiple aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. Thus, Ukraine could enhance its resilience and capability to respond swiftly to aerial attacks, diversifying its defense means for optimal protection of its territory and armed forces.