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Kongsberg Signs Deal to Supply NASAMS and NOMADS Air Defense Systems to Netherlands.
On November 21, 2024, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) announced the signing of a significant contract with the Dutch government for the delivery of NASAMS and NOMADS air defense systems. The agreement, valued at approximately 1 billion euros, represents a major step in enhancing the Netherlands’ air defense capabilities.
The acquisition is part of the CITADEL program, an integrated air and missile defense initiative aimed at addressing modern short- and medium-range threats (Picture source: Norwegian Armed Forces)
The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is a medium- to long-range air defense system developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in collaboration with Raytheon. Initially deployed in Norway in 2015, NASAMS has been adopted by several NATO and EU member states. It is compatible with AMRAAM missiles and other systems, including L-70 guns, RBS 70, HAWK missiles, and advanced solutions such as directed-energy weapons and the Patriot system. NASAMS can detect, track, and engage various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, offering protection for critical infrastructure and urban areas. Its modular configuration includes a command center (FDC), an AN/MPQ64F1 Sentinel 3D radar, a passive electro-optical sensor, and multiple launchers equipped with AMRAAM missiles.
The NASAMS system has evolved with upgraded variants like NASAMS 2 and NASAMS 3, featuring improved ground radar, Link 16 communication, and a Mk 2 launcher capable of deploying AIM-9X Sidewinder and AMRAAM-ER missiles. These missiles, including AIM-120C7 and AIM-120C, are designed for high speed and maneuverability, with a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of 14 km. The system’s mobility is ensured through launchers mounted on transport platforms such as the Scania 113H in Norway and the IVECO in Spain, allowing for rapid deployment and air transportability.
The NOMADS (National Maneuver Air Defence System) complements NASAMS by providing mobile air defense for ground forces in dynamic operational environments. Mounted on a high-mobility armored vehicle, NOMADS integrates command and control, sensors, and weapons into a single platform. It features a 3D AESA radar with a range of over 50 km, day/night and thermal cameras, AIM-9X Block 2 Sidewinder missiles, and an optional directional jammer. The system can counter a wide range of threats, including drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles, and includes a 0.50-caliber remote-controlled weapon station for close defense. NOMADS is interoperable with NATO air defense systems and supports autonomous and networked operations through standard protocols like L16 and JREAP-C.
Mounted on a high-mobility armored vehicle, NOMADS integrates command and control, sensors, and weapons into a single platform (Picture source: Kongsberg )
This agreement follows a formal recommendation submitted by the Dutch Ministry of Defense to Parliament on October 14, 2024. The acquisition is part of the CITADEL program, an integrated air and missile defense initiative aimed at addressing modern short- and medium-range threats. According to Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the systems will significantly enhance the Netherlands’ operational capabilities and establish the country as the first international user of NOMADS.
The Netherlands has operated six NASAMS units since 2006. These new acquisitions will modernize and expand the country’s ground-based air defense, integrating extended-range AMRAAMs for greater reach and AIM-9X Sidewinders for short-range engagements. The NOMADS system, designed for mobility and quick deployment, will provide additional protection for land forces in contested environments and seamlessly integrate with NATO systems. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, further strengthening the Netherlands’ air defense infrastructure.
Beyond NASAMS, the Netherlands employs additional air defense systems, including MIM-104 Patriot batteries for long-range threats and FIM-92 Stinger missiles for low-altitude engagements, the latter deployed on foot or mounted on Fennek vehicles. These systems, supported by advanced radar solutions like the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel and TRML-3D/32, contribute to a robust, layered defense network against a variety of aerial threats.