The Norwegian Army fires a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) from the Andøya Space Range in Andøya, Norway against a simulated threat in support of exercise Formidable Shield 2023, May 10, 2023. Formidable Shield is a biennial integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise involving a series of live-fire events against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, aircraft, and ground forces working across battlespaces to deliver effects.
National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) fired from the Andøya Space Range in Andøya, Norway. Photo: Royal Norwegian Navy/US Navy
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has received an additional purchase order from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense for the NASAMS air defense system.
This is the Baltic nation’s third NASAMS purchase, following acquisitions in 2017 and 2023.
Delivery is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2028 and continue through the end of the year, Lithuanian National Radio and Television reported, citing Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas.
An increased defense budget accelerated the 193 million euro ($212 million) procurement by seven years, the minister added.
“This is a system designed to destroy cruise missiles, hostile helicopters, aircraft and similar hostile air objects,” Kasciunas said at a press conference, as quoted by the outlet.
The ground-based system has an effective range of 31 miles (50 kilometers), while its radar can detect targets at distances of up to 75 miles (120 kilometers).
Lithuania received its first pair of NSAMS batteries in 2020, while the second system is expected to start arriving in 2026 through 2027.
The latest purchase also upgrades parts of the NASAMS equipment acquired in 2017, Kongsberg said.
“Kongsberg sees increased demand from existing NASAMS users to upgrade and expand their NASAMS assets,” President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Eirik Lie said.
“The NASAMS system is an important defense capacity given the geopolitical situation in the world. The contract with Lithuania also strengthens the country’s partnership with NATO.”
Short-Range Air Defense System Purchase
The purchase follows the procurement of an RBS70 NG short-range air defense system for around 130 million euros ($142 million) last week.
The Saab system is expected to start arriving between 2025 and 2027, with induction expected in 2029.
This is in addition to a purchase of RBS70 Vilnius made in October 2022 for 45 million euros ($49 million).
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