Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a contract with the government of Lithuania for the delivery of more NASAMS air defence systems. The EUR 200 million (about NOK 2.3 billion) contract will provide Lithuania with the latest technology and increased air defence capabilities.
As part of the contract, Lithuania will also modernise parts of the NASAMS equipment the country acquired in 2017. With this modernisation, Lithuania will have the most modern and efficient configuration of this advanced air defence system.
“We are significantly strengthening Lithuania’s air defence capabilities. The main reason for the decision is that the NASAMS system is already successfully operated by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, so the additional acquisition of NASAMS will not create integration problems,” said Greta Monika Tučkutė, Vice Minister of National Defence.
“Expanding its air defence capability with more NASAMS supports Lithuania’s ability to more effectively combat modern air threats and also strengthens the country’s partnership with NATO,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The system consists of Raytheon’s Sentinel radar and three advanced missile variants, as well as KONGSBERG’s Fire Distribution Center (FDC) and multi-missile launchers.
“We continue to see growing demand for NASAMS, as Lithuania and other allied nations around the globe look to counter the proliferation of advanced aerial threats,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “With decades of continual technological innovation and a legacy of combat-proven performance, NASAMS will continue to deliver unmatched medium-range air defence for Lithuania.
Earlier this year, Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence purchased NASAMS missile launchers for donation to Ukraine, where the system has contributed to the protection of people and critical infrastructure.
NASAMS’ modularity and open architecture enable the continuous introduction of new technology, which ensures that the system can be adapted to new threats and missions throughout its lifetime. NASAMS is one of the market’s most flexible solutions that covers a wide range of air defence needs.
By acquiring more NASAMS, Lithuania consolidates its position in the user group, which now counts 13 nations.
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On the subject of NASAMS, it’s been very quiet on the progress of Australia’s NASAMS systems. The last news I saw was an Army Bulletin that was akin to a “ it’s all good,we’re fine, nothing to see here , everything is fine piece that didn’t actually say anything. It hasn’t been quietly shelved or something has it.
The Army recently had a test firing, so I think it’s in good shape: https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2023-11-18/armys-first-live-fire-advanced-surface-air-missile-system
Indeed a bit of an oddity in the ADF procurement. An “Australianised” capability both seemingly on time and on budget.
Here’s hoping we actually acquire a decent amount of these systems.