IRIA News

3 minute read

Norway has signed approximately 1 billion Norwegian kroner ($98 million) contract with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to deliver upgraded components for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

The deal, announced by the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency, aims to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities and improve system performance and survivability.

The contract includes new command posts, wheeled communication nodes, and advanced radio systems. These components will integrate with the four NASAMS batteries Norway has procured since 2024, which feature next-generation launchers, fire control centers, and updated missile systems.

Upgraded Communication and Command Systems

As part of the modernization, Kongsberg’s new THOR Combat Net Radio will replace the existing Very High Frequency Multi-Role Radio (MRR). The THOR system offers increased data capacity and expanded functionality, thereby enhancing coordination and situational awareness throughout the air defense network.

The upgraded command posts and communication nodes will allow faster decision-making and enable a higher operational tempo, which is expected to improve the overall survivability of Norwegian air defense units.

“This delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. He emphasized that the upgraded systems will significantly enhance mobility and flexibility, enabling rapid dispersion and repositioning during operations.

Government Prioritizes Air Defense

Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik described the agreement as a vital investment in national security. “The government is prioritizing strengthening our air defense. This agreement is an important step in ensuring increased response capacity and protection of Norwegian forces and critical infrastructure,” Sandvik said.

The Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (FMA) also confirmed that several components are being ordered with long lead times to guarantee the timely delivery of future NASAMS systems. The effort aligns with Norway’s Long-Term Defense Plan, which calls for improved air defense readiness amid evolving regional security challenges.

“With this acquisition, we ensure that the NASAMS departments receive flexible and modern command posts and communication systems that provide faster decision support, higher tempo, and increased survivability,” said Gro Jaere, Director of the Defense Materiel Agency.

Strategic Importance of NASAMS

Originally developed in the 1990s by Kongsberg in cooperation with U.S.-based Raytheon, NASAMS has become one of the world’s most trusted medium-range air defense systems. It is currently used by 13 countries, including the United States, Spain, and Finland, highlighting its global role in ground-based air defense.

The system protects a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Its modular design allows easy integration with existing command and control systems, enabling flexible deployment in various operational environments.

Future Readiness and Mobility

The new upgrades will give Norway’s NASAMS units improved mobility and faster dispersion capabilities, ensuring they can operate more effectively in modern combat environments. Enhanced radio and communication systems will facilitate real-time data exchange, improving interoperability with allied forces.

“The NASAMS air defense system is strategically important for Norway’s defense capabilities and is vital for safeguarding our national security interests,” said Lie, adding that “This delivery represents the latest generation of NASAMS, tailored to counter emerging threats in today’s dynamic security landscape.”

The modernization marks another step in Norway’s broader defense modernization effort, aimed at ensuring its armed forces remain prepared for current and future challenges.