Context:
The United States recently announced the approval of a $285 million sale of a NASAMS air defense system and related equipment to Ukraine.
Relevance
GS III: Defence
About NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System):
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is a medium-range ground-based air defense system used by several countries. Here are the key points about NASAMS:
- Purpose: NASAMS is designed to engage air targets at low and medium altitudes in all weather conditions. It is primarily used to defend important stationary assets like military installations, infrastructure, and cities.
- Joint Development: NASAMS was jointly designed and developed by Raytheon (United States) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway).
- User Countries: NASAMS is currently used by Norway, the United States, Canada, Chile, Finland, Indonesia, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
- Networked Defense System: NASAMS is the world’s first networked short- and medium-range air defense system that can integrate with other equipment and air defense systems.
- Radar and Launchers: NASAMS features an X-Band, 360-degree phased array air defense radar with a range of approximately 75 kilometers. It is armed with three launchers, each capable of carrying up to six missiles.
- Simultaneous Engagement: The system has the capability to engage 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes.
- Missiles: NASAMS uses AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, which have been modified for ground launch. These missiles have an engagement range of about 30 kilometers.
- Integration: NASAMS has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005.
-Source: Indian Express
