Ukraine has enhanced its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of over ten Norwegian NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) units, significantly bolstering its aerial protection. In addition to the systems themselves, Norway is facilitating the procurement of missiles from allied nations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the critical role that the Norwegian air defense systems play for Ukrainian forces. While the exact number of NASAMS units has not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that their quantity exceeds ten.
“I will not specify the exact number of NASAMS we have, but there are more than ten, and we continue to receive them. We have also received missiles for the NASAMS produced in Norway,” Zelensky stated.
The President noted that Norway’s internal stockpiles were insufficient to meet Ukraine’s missile requirements. As a result, Oslo has engaged in diplomatic efforts with other countries to arrange additional ammunition supplies.
Simultaneously, Ukraine has been working on joint production initiatives and acquiring IRIS-T systems. Zelensky likened this collaborative effort to a “wave,” where the actions of one nation encourage other true allies to contribute assistance.
The NASAMS, developed through a strategic partnership between Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and the American company Raytheon, is a modern medium-range air defense system. Its development began in 1998, culminating in the introduction of its most advanced version, NASAMS III, in 2019. This mobile air defense system has demonstrated high effectiveness in intercepting a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and complex ballistic and cruise missiles, such as the Iskander and Tochka-U.
Ukraine has secured over ten NASAMS units from Norway, enhancing its air defense capabilities. The collaboration includes diplomatic efforts for additional missile supplies and joint production initiatives.