Spain To Modernize Its NASAMS Air Defense Missile Systems.

The Spanish Council of Ministers authorized on April 9,2024 a significant contract for the modernization of the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) and the updating of the Sentinel radar system. The deal, valued at approximately €45.9 million, encompasses the acquisition of complementary equipment, technical support, necessary tools and auxiliary equipment, training, and sustainment services.
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air defense unit (Picture source Spanish headquarters)

The NASAMS, a collaborative project between American firm Raytheon and Norway's Kongsberg, integrates the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile), similar to those used in fighter aircraft, with a high-performance MPQ-64 3D radar and a sophisticated Command and Control system designed by Kongsberg. This system, currently operational in countries such as Norway, the United States, the Netherlands, Finland, Lithuania, and soon in Oman, was selected by Australia in 2017.

The Spanish NASAMS configuration includes a radar system capable of tracking up to 100 targets within a 75 km range, two six-missile launchers deployable on Iveco trucks, and a Fire Direction Center (FDC), which can operate up to 25 km away from the launchers. This modernization aims to enhance the system's command and control capabilities to address real air threats effectively. In 2022, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Command had four batteries of two launchers each (normally three), associated with an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar. Three batteries form the II/73 group in Cartagena, and the fourth is integrated into the I/94 group in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Kongsberg and Raytheon are also working on future updates that could incorporate both passive and active additional sensors and new interceptors such as the AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder and the extended range AMRAAM-ER, increasing the system's range by 50% and operational ceiling by 70%.

This upgrade is part of the ongoing improvements to Spain's air defense capabilities, initially bolstered by the industrial offset agreements related to the construction of five Fridtjof Nansen-class corvettes for Norway, a deal made in 2003 which included the purchase of four NASAMS batteries. This modernization is poised to significantly enhance Spain's ability to engage multiple targets at both low and medium altitudes.

The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is an American made by Ratheon Technologies beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. It uses active transmit-receive radar guidance instead of semi-active receive-only radar guidance. When an AMRAAM missile is launched, NATO pilots use the brevity code "Fox Three".

As of 2020 more than 38,000 had been produced for the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and 33 international customers. The AMRAAM has been used in several engagements, achieving 16 air-to-air kills in conflicts over Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, India, and Syria. This system improves efficiency of NASAMS systems. 

Defense News April 2024