Norwegian air defense systems NASAMS for Ukraine. Will they give or refuse?

AIM-120 rocket launch from NASAMS launcher

The Ukrainian army suffered the most serious losses in armaments and equipment, and it is proposed to make up for them with foreign military-technical assistance. The country's leadership begs foreign countries for certain products and systems. Recently, the list of desired military products was replenished with the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system, which Norway could transfer.

New Request

On March 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an address to the Norwegian Parliament. As in previous recent speeches, he again complained about the difficult situation of the country and Russian aggression, recalled the security of Europe, and so on. At the same time, Zelensky did not forget to once again ask for military-technical assistance.

He named a number of systems and weapons that Ukraine urgently needs "to protect freedom." Of particular interest in this list are Harpoon anti-ship missiles and NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems. In addition, anti-tank and artillery systems were again mentioned, etc.

Launcher and rockets of different types

The Norwegian authorities have not yet responded to the Ukrainian request. Individual representatives of the authorities made some comments, but there is still no common official position. When it will be developed and what it will be is unknown. However, there is every reason to believe that the Norwegian authorities will refuse to supply complex and expensive missile systems.

It should be noted that Norway has already provided military-technical assistance to Ukraine. So, at the end of February, a decision was made to transfer various ammunition and weapons worth more than 220 million euros. It was planned to transfer 2 thousand M72 grenade launchers, a large number of cartridges, protective equipment, food rations, etc. More complex and expensive products were not transferred, and plans of this kind were not reported.

Desired complex

The NASAMS product (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System - “Improved Norwegian Surface-to-Air System”) is a short-range mobile land-based anti-aircraft missile system for use in object air defense. The development of the project was carried out in the nineties in order to replace the outdated Improved Hawk air defense systems of the Norwegian army.

Launcher on transport vehicle

NASAMS was developed by Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (Norway) and Raytheon (USA). The American side provided a ready-made anti-aircraft missile and some other components. Kongsberg was responsible for other facilities and overall systems integration. In the late nineties, she launched the production of complexes for the launch customer in the face of the Norwegian armed forces.

In the middle of the 2s, a NASAMS 2007 modernization project was developed. It provided for the preservation of the architecture of the complex while replacing some of the tools and components, which made it possible to increase the main characteristics. In XNUMX, Kongsberg mastered the serial production of a new model of air defense systems and began the modernization of combat products.

The development of the air defense system continues. Since the end of the tenth years, a new modification called NASAMS 3 has been tested at the test sites, again featuring improved performance. Work is also underway to integrate the new AMRAAM-ER extended-range anti-aircraft missile and the AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missile. These projects are expected to be completed in the coming years, with serial production to follow.

One of the command post vehicles

The NASAMS air defense system was developed by order of the Norwegian armed forces, and they also became the first customer of the equipment of two serial modifications. In the XNUMXs, contracts were signed and fulfilled for the supply of complexes to the USA, Spain, the Netherlands, Finland and other countries. To date, such complexes have entered service with a dozen countries, including Norway. Several more states have placed orders and are waiting for their equipment. Negotiations are also underway with the following customers.

Technical features

The NASAMS complex of all modifications consists of several means for different purposes, united by cable and radio communications. The typical composition of the battery includes a command post on two automobile chassis, a vehicle with an optoelectronic station, up to 6-8 radars on trailers and up to 9-12 launchers.

The funds of the complex are delivered to the selected position on their own or by tow or by truck. Then there is unloading and deployment. In particular, the launcher is removed from the truck platform and placed on the ground. A version of the launcher on a self-propelled two-link chassis was also developed.

The American-designed AN / MPQ-64F1 radar is used as the main means of reviewing and searching for air targets. This is a three-coordinate locator capable of tracking objects such as "airplane" or "helicopter" at distances up to 120 km and heights of 12 km. Unmanned aerial vehicles or high-precision weapon spotted from shorter distances. For the review of the near zone, the OES MSP500 of its own Norwegian design is used. It allows you to specify the coordinates of the target at minimum distances.

Workplaces of operators in one of the cabins of the gearbox

Kongsberg also independently developed a command post. It includes two vans with cabins for calculation and necessary equipment. Such a command post processes data from the radar and OLS, and also distributes targets and controls fire weapons. KP and battery can work independently or in conjunction with other air defense systems. In the latter case, NASAMS receives target designation from outside or transmits its data.

The launcher is a transportable stationary platform with a lifting and turning package of six rails. Before firing, the installation is turned towards the target; horizontal guidance is provided.

The serial NASAMS complex uses an American-designed AIM-120 AMRAAM rocket, converted for ground launch. The missile is equipped with an active radar homing head and carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The firing range from a ground launcher reaches 20 km, the reach in height is 16 km. As part of the new modernization project, it is planned to introduce the AMRAAM-ER missile, which will increase the range to 40 km.

In general, the NASAMS product in all modifications is a fairly successful modern short-range air defense system with good performance characteristics. It can be used as one of the elements of a layered air defense and provide protection for important facilities and areas. However, there are objective limitations. In particular, the complex is characterized by a certain complexity of deployment, and also cannot work effectively outside of a full-fledged defense system.

Towed radar AN/MPQ-64F1

Potential deliveries

Norway has not yet responded to the request of the Ukrainian President for the supply of NASAMS air defense systems and other weapons. Nevertheless, even now it is possible to consider the possibility of transferring such equipment and determine its likelihood, practical prospects, etc. Moreover, the result of such consideration is predictable.

Most likely, Norway will not send its air defense systems to Ukraine. The fact is that it will not be possible to manufacture new equipment within a reasonable time, and the transfer of complexes from the presence threatens their own security. At the same time, the return of the transferred equipment is not guaranteed, and the Norwegian army will have to purchase a new one for itself.

Such assistance would be unacceptably expensive. Thus, in recent contracts, the cost of a full NASAMS battery was at the level of 75-80 million dollars. Prices for rockets reach 2-4 million dollars. not to be counted.

However, another, unlikely scenario should be considered, in which Ukraine will still be supplied with Norwegian air defense systems. It is obvious that this will not bring any benefit. So, the Ukrainian army does not have time to master them. Complexes need calculations, the preparation of which is complex and time-consuming. In the current situation, the Ukrainian army simply does not have the time to master complex imported equipment. The arrival of foreign settlements is also not to be expected - this will have political consequences.

Optical-location station

The NASAMS air defense system is designed to operate in a layered air defense system. Previously, Ukraine had a similar defense, but by now it has ceased to exist. Under such conditions, the Norwegian complexes will not be able to realize their full potential.

Moreover, working alone and without adequate support, NASAMS will become a fairly easy target for Russian strikes. The destruction of such air defense will not take much time - our army has a variety of means of destruction and can choose the most suitable one. At the same time, foreign air defense systems will not be able to give a decent answer and protect themselves, not to mention other objects.

Waiting for rejection

Thus, the situation around NASAMS complexes is simple and predictable. Norway is unlikely to transfer them to Ukraine in order to avoid problems for its own defense and budget. However, the transfer of such technology will not give any results. If the Ukrainian army is able to bring it to duty, it will not last too long and will end in destruction.

All this allows us to imagine how the situation will develop further. Norway will ignore the Ukrainian request for an air defense system or officially refuse it. As a result, the Ukrainian army will have to rely on its remaining air defense assets - which are becoming less and less.

Comments

[Vladimir_2U]

Missile prices reach $2-4 million

Per piece or per set?

[Nikolaevich I]

Quote: Vladimir_2U

Missile prices reach $2-4 million
Per piece or per set?

Are you evaluating?

[Borik]

No, this complex is not suitable for dill, too complicated for them. And yes, it takes a long time to learn. Or the Norwegians themselves will sit down at the buttons.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: Nikolaevich I

Are you evaluating? what

Only in the style of "What wealth flies into our garden!"

It's just a little expensive for an aviation rocket, kmk, although who knows, since 98 prices have risen.

[NIKN]

Quote: Vladimir_2U

"What wealth flies into our garden!"

He remembers all the strawberries, not for nothing.
Since 98 dollar against the dollar 98g. sank heavily, so that everything is OK

[d4rkmesa]

A piece of Amraam-ER, apparently.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: d4rkmesa

A piece of Amraam-ER, apparently.

Then, since 98, rockets have risen in price from 6 to 12 times, a bit too much!

[smart fellow]

So, in recent contracts, the cost of a full NASAMS battery was at the level of 75-80 million dollars. Prices for rockets reach 2-4 million dollars. It is unlikely that Norway will be able to independently purchase new equipment

An acquaintance ... married a Norwegian 3000 years ago and a few years after the birth of a child, when he went to kindergarten, she got a job as a simple secretary for $ 2 a month. However, once in the afternoon six of us dined in a restaurant, a regular lunch complex with 100 bottles of wine cost 30 thousand rubles. if converted to rubles. Then the dollar was XNUMX rubles. Norwegians paid.

[Bolt cutter]

as they dined in the afternoon six of us in a restaurant,

In my experience (2018) in Norway it is about 2-3 times more expensive than in England.

[tralflot1832]

$ 5 income for a family of two, they consider themselves not poor, but close to it.

[Revolver]

In terms of performance characteristics, this Norwegian prodigy is inferior even to the good old S-125. Koi seems to be in considerable quantity in storage in / on, unless they are sold out. True, will there be in / on those who have not forgotten how to operate this thing? I remember that after the launcher is unloaded and connected, leveling and orientation should be done, but I don’t remember how, even under the threat of being shot on the spot. And my age is already pre-retirement, with all the arthritis and radiculitis prescribed by age, so even after refreshing my memory I would hardly have coped purely physically. And this is a starting battery, where it was good to calculate if at least one white person, and so more and more called up from rural areas of the Central Asian republics and in Russian more and more "mine - don't understand yours." But in the UNK (so that I remember how this abbreviation is deciphered) there should be at least a guidance officer and two conscripts - escort operators, and they should be very well trained. These skills cannot be replaced by Svidomo. And the division commander and the commander of the starting battery were also sitting there, and what they were doing, I really had no idea even then, but certainly not pants.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Nagan

In terms of performance characteristics, this Norwegian prodigy is inferior even to the good old S-125. Koi seems to be in considerable quantity in storage in / on, unless they are sold out. True, will there be in / on those who have not forgotten how to operate this thing? I remember that after the launcher is unloaded and connected, leveling and orientation should be done, but I don’t remember how, even under the threat of being shot on the spot.

Guns - that's nothing ... but the assembly and disassembly of UNV - this is an entertaining Lego. We, even in the second year of the military department, only after raising the antenna post to a vertical position found that we had forgotten to connect the UV-12 antenna (transmission of missile guidance commands). And to do this, you need to disassemble back half of the UNV.

Quote: Nagan

But in the UNK (so that I remember how this abbreviation is deciphered) there should be at least a guidance officer and two conscripts - escort operators, and they should be very well trained.

Yeah ... especially considering that the UNK calculation should not only turn the knobs and stare at the screens, but also make adjustments and urgent repairs of the equipment (well, or at least quickly determine the failed unit). There is one check when the power is turned on, which is worth it - warm lamp blocks managed to "walk" by 20 percent when warmed up.
And I don’t remember this nice feature of the UV-11 radar, in which the radiation patterns (“beaver tails”) are located at 45 degrees to the horizon (and each antenna is displayed on its own indicator), and the antennas are pointed (mechanically rotated) vertically and horizontal.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Nagan

But in the UNK (so that I remember how this abbreviation stands for) there should be at least a guidance officer and two conscripts - an escort operator

At least five should be there: the commander of the zrdn, the firing preparation officer, the guidance officer, two manual escort operators.

Otherwise, it will be like the classics: the complex was very similar to the real one, but did not work.

[Revolver]

Well, I don’t remember, I was related to the starting battery, and what the RTB was doing, I had a very vague idea. Those who were related to the S-125 also did it about a quarter of a century ago, or even more, and they hardly remember how he snorted. Of the officers, those who served on them, if not retired, then somewhere in the ranks of colonel, and in the entire division there was not even one colonel's position.
But even in the starting battery, there is a lot of work to make the division at least formally combat-ready. For example, I somehow doubt that the missiles in long-term storage were kept filled with air, and filling the VAB with compressed air is not a quick thing, and so at least 16 times to charge all 4 launchers. And then at least the same amount so that there is something to recharge. So whether they will have time to deploy them before the end of the war of a special operation is another question.
For C-125, the documentation, albeit in "filthy Moscow language", is really readable even for the most Svidomo. To the Norwegian prodigy, it is all in Norwegian, at best for them in English, so they are unlikely to cope on their own. Of course, there is a Google translator, but it translates this ... And sending Norwegians, even if formally just "advisers", is a war that NATO does not want.

[Aist_M]

Strange things you say. In Ukraine, they developed and successfully upgraded the ST-68 or 5N59 radar or the 19Zh6 or 35D6M or 36D6M radar
Quite a modern digital, three-coordinate radar, with broad capabilities for detecting low-flying targets and interfacing with automated control systems.
Therefore, it is not worth counting that "everyone is stupid" there, as Zadornov promised.
They will scratch my inscription with a nail next to it, and forward. Somebody posted pictures like this.
By article. Thanks to the author for a fairly fresh review! But I would like more about the technical side of the issue. In my opinion, the concept of using trailers instead of self-propelled chassis is not very bad. She has a number of advantages.
It is also interesting to learn more about the optical module.

[lego2]

... everything is true, but this is in the short term, but in the middle, and if you imagine that Norway, not in a vacuum, but with someone in cooperation, but at least with the same psheks, or Slovaks, here you have layered air defense, and there were always enough Psheks who wanted to make war with the Russians - is this a national disease with them, but not right now, a little later? ...

[volkov.dima1]

It's time to capitulate, and not stand with outstretched hand until you have to lie with outstretched legs!

[Nikolay Sayenko]

while they study, Ukraine will end.

[Eva Star]

Isn't the appearance of foreign technology in Ukraine the intervention of NATO? This is direct intervention. I hope our government does not allow this. It is enough to change the nuclear doctrine for the duration of the special operation. From defensive to preventive nuclear strike. Do you know why Europe has become bolder in the supply of equipment? Because politicians like Peskov ruled out a nuclear strike. It is necessary to stop all attempts to supply foreign equipment, otherwise the war will be lost. Because at first the deliveries will be shit, and then a more advanced weapon than ours will go.

[Bolt cutter]

a more advanced weapon than ours.

They are already being sent in large quantities. But the most unpleasant thing is intelligence from a group of NATO satellites and AWACS aircraft over Poland. And Russia gives them gas / oil in response. Can you imagine if, during the fighting in Iraq, Germany would hand over weapons to the Iraqis?

[riwas]

Recently, the list of desired military products was replenished with the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system, which Norway could transfer.

Expensive, you need it. They will refuse, they will say that it takes too long to teach.

[Grossvater]

If the Norgs really need a thing, and not just: "so that it is", then they should give it for testing. Another thing, trained calculations. They may not dare to send their own.

[rocket757]

Norwegian air defense systems NASAMS for Ukraine. Will they give or refuse?

Interesting topic, we'll see how it goes.

[Wildcat]

NASAMS will not be given, IMHO.
Expensive and not very effective without layered air defense. Although closer to the summer may be ...

Here is what is discussed only in Germany:
"About 60 combat modules that can be installed on tanks or armored vehicles. Also on the list are four Skyguard airborne target detection radar systems with a delivery time of eight weeks. According to the list, 90 truck tractors could be delivered to Ukraine within six weeks.
Also on the list are 88 Leopard 1A5 main tanks, 20 of which can be upgraded by the end of 2022, and the rest by the end of 2023. There are also up to 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles"

Here's what will happen: "Ukraine bought them itself: Kyiv ordered 5100 Matador anti-tank rocket launchers from Dynamit Nobel Defense in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to Welt, 2650 rocket launchers have already been delivered. The remaining 2450 rocket launchers should be manufactured by May and delivered gradually However, these weapons are paid not with German money, but by the Ukrainian government [according to a number of reports, the urgent contract concluded by the government of Ukraine in early March with Dynamit Nobel Defense for the purchase of 5100 disposable 90-mm anti-tank RGW90 HH Matador new production grenade launchers worth 25 million euros is financed by as a donation by a certain businessman. - bmpd]."
Well, "another 2000 Panzerfaust 3 hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers"

Here is what is likely to happen: "According to the newspaper, this number includes 2650 Matador hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers worth about 13 million euros [apparently already actually delivered - bmpd] and 18 reconnaissance unmanned systems that can be delivered immediately. The list also includes mortars, machine guns, 3000 sets of night vision devices, thousands of body armor and helmets.In addition: eight ground reconnaissance radars, other airborne radar systems, unarmored and armored vehicles, from buses to armored SUVs.
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/

[Ermak_Timofeich]

These projects are expected to be completed in the coming years,

An optimist, however. He thinks on a large scale - for years.

[Dkuznecov]

They will refuse, of course.
But they certainly will.

[Eva Star]

Our government must take a tough stance on the supply of weapons from the West. Any heavy weapons from the West should be considered NATO intervention and carry heavy consequences. It cannot be allowed to do so. Our guys are fighting in Ukraine and our politicians have to fight for our soldiers.

[Charik]

Hear the transwhistle is good to grind nonsense here, without you they will figure out what to do to someone.