Norway Expands NASAMS Power With New Kongsberg Upgrade

Defense Feeds – Norway Expands NASAMS Power as the nation signs a new defense contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) to upgrade and expand its National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) network.

The agreement, valued at over 1 billion Norwegian kroner (around 99 million US dollars), marks a significant move in strengthening the country’s air defense structure against evolving aerial threats.  

The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA), the state’s military procurement body, confirmed that the new deal will deliver enhanced components designed to improve NASAMS’ operational performance, system coordination, and overall survivability in hostile environments.  

This latest effort under the “Norway Expands NASAMS Power” initiative aligns with the country’s broader modernization plan through its Long-Term Defence Program, which focuses on increasing deterrence capability and ensuring a faster, more agile national response to modern air threats.

New Command Posts and Mobility Enhancements

Under the new contract, Kongsberg will supply upgraded command centers, advanced wheeled communication nodes, and modernized radio systems that form the digital backbone of NASAMS operations.

These upgrades are intended to improve data sharing among units and ensure more secure, real-time coordination between sensors, shooters, and operators across multiple domains.

One of the core improvements involves integrating Kongsberg’s latest THOR Combat Net Radio system to replace the existing Multi-Role Radio units currently in use.

The THOR system provides increased bandwidth and power efficiency, enabling greater communication resilience in contested electromagnetic environments where jamming and interference are frequent.

By strengthening its battlefield digital network, Norway expects faster decision-making cycles and improved situational awareness, ultimately enhancing the survivability of its mobile air defense batteries.

Building a Next-Generation NASAMS Network

Norway already operates four NASAMS batteries procured since 2024, equipped with new launchers, fire control centers, and upgraded missile systems.

These systems form the backbone of the country’s medium-range air defense capability, capable of countering aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

The recent procurement will integrate seamlessly with existing systems to form a more adaptive, multi-layered defense network.

Kongsberg emphasized that the modernization will bring Norway up to the latest NASAMS generation, engineered to counter new aerial threats ranging from low-flying cruise missiles to swarm drone attacks.

“The delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, built for today’s and tomorrow’s threats,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

He noted that the mobile architecture of the updated system allows for faster deployment and repositioning, vital for surviving in rapidly changing combat conditions.

With components being ordered with long lead times, Norway aims to ensure rapid delivery and readiness for operational integration without delays that often affect advanced defense programs.

Strengthening National Defense Capacity

For Oslo, this deal goes beyond a standard purchase, serving as a strategic step toward reinforcing national defense resilience against rising aerial threats across northern Europe.

Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik highlighted the importance of the contract, calling it a vital step to reinforce the country’s air defense posture and protect critical infrastructure.

“The government prioritizes strengthening our air defense. This agreement is a key step in ensuring faster response time and better protection for Norwegian forces and essential facilities,” Sandvik said.

The NASAMS upgrade reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to maintaining technological parity with NATO allies while ensuring domestic defense industries like Kongsberg remain central to national security initiatives.

Together, these steps solidify Norway’s position as one of Europe’s leaders in integrated air defense modernization.