Spanish army initiates NASAMS maintenance training program for Ukrainian soldiers.

On March 30, 2024, the Spanish army announced via its Twitter account the commencement of training for Ukrainian soldiers responsible for maintaining the NASAMS air defense system. Under the guidance of instructors from the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC), this one-month training program aims to teach Ukrainians both the maintenance and combat use of the NASAMS surface-to-air missile system against Russian aerial threats.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

NASAMS -Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-  Air Defense System (Picture source: Spain MoD)

This initiative reflects Spain's commitment to Ukraine, as evidenced by its previous training of Ukrainian air defense forces on the MIM-23 Hawk and MIM-104 Patriot systems at the TTCC. The comprehensive training program is divided into modules, and in addition to ongoing modules on the Hawk and Patriot systems, the NASAMS module was added last week. It will be conducted by instructors from the 73rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment of the Spanish Army, directly at the "Tentegorra" barracks in Cartagena.

Spain has significantly enhanced Ukraine's military capabilities by providing various equipment and armaments. Among the notable contributions, Spain has delivered a battery of Aspide missile systems, four Hawk air defense systems, anti-tank missile systems, mortars, and various munitions. Additionally, Spain has committed to providing Leopard 2A4 tanks, with an initial delivery of six tanks in 2023 followed by an additional batch of 19 tanks. These Leopard tanks, renowned for their firepower and advanced armor, have undergone extensive refurbishment to ensure their full operational readiness upon arrival in Kyiv, thus strengthening Ukraine's armored force on the ground.

The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) has been a crucial part of Ukraine's defense, especially in repelling airborne attacks. Developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in cooperation with the US company Raytheon, this air defense system has played a central role in protecting Ukrainian people and infrastructure from aerial threats. It is specifically designed to defend against unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft.

According to a report from Euromaidan Press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the effectiveness of Western-supplied air defense systems like NASAMS and the Patriot system. These systems have significantly enhanced Ukraine's ability to counter long-range missile attacks and kamikaze drones from Russia. The introduction of these air defense systems into Ukraine's arsenal has been a vital part of the country's response to the conflict, aiding in the protection of Ukrainian cities and military forces.

Zelenskyy's statements underscore the strategic importance of these air defense systems in the ongoing conflict, demonstrating their role not only in military defense but also in the broader context of national security and civil protection. The effectiveness of NASAMS in the Ukrainian conflict underscores the system's capabilities in modern warfare scenarios, particularly in defending against a range of aerial threats.

Ukraine has received a total of fifteen NASAMS batteries from various international partners, enhancing its air defense capabilities significantly. Specifically, Norway contributed two batteries, the United States provided twelve, and Canada added one to the count. These contributions have significantly strengthened Ukraine's defense against aerial threats, reflecting the international community's support for Ukraine's security needs amidst ongoing conflicts.

The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is a sophisticated and versatile air defense system developed through a collaboration between Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the American company Raytheon. Designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, NASAMS can effectively engage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, cruise missiles, and various fixed-wing aircraft. The system is notable for its ability to be integrated seamlessly with existing and future air defense infrastructure, enhancing its utility in various operational scenarios.

A key feature of NASAMS is its advanced radar and sensor technology, which is central to its network-centric design. This technology allows the system to simultaneously detect, track, and engage multiple targets, ensuring comprehensive aerial surveillance and protection. NASAMS employs the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) as its primary weapon, renowned for its accuracy and dependability. The missile has an operational range of approximately 25 to 180 kilometers (15 to 112 miles), and the system can target aircraft at altitudes up to 15,240 meters (50,000 feet). This wide range and high-altitude engagement capability make NASAMS a formidable tool for modern military air defense. Additionally, its rapid deployment capability and operational versatility in various environmental conditions make NASAMS a preferred choice for many armed forces worldwide.

The NASAMS launcher is capable of carrying up to six Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and is connected to a Fire Distribution Center (FDC) command post via radio or field wire. It can be deployed up to 25 km away from the FDC and is remotely controlled. The launcher enables multiple simultaneous engagements by firing the six AMRAAM missiles against six different targets in a matter of seconds. The entire system is designed for rapid response, with the capability to fire all missiles against individual targets in less than 15 seconds.

The AMRAAM missile is the primary missile used with NASAMS. NASAMS can also launch AIM-9X Sidewinder and RIM-162 ESSM missiles. The AMRAAM missile has a range of up to 40 km and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 14 km. The NASAMS launcher platform is transportable and can be carried on different types of trucks depending on the army's requirements.