Kongsberg Unveils Maneuverable Short-Range Air Defense System

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace's NOMADS is a highly mobile air defense system designed to protect against drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft, offering rapid deployment and integration with NATO defenses.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has introduced the National Maneuver Air Defence System (NOMADS), a highly mobile, ground-based air defense system tailored for maneuvering army units. This system is specifically designed to address threats encountered in modern conflicts, drawing significant lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Key Features and Capabilities

NOMADS offers robust protection against a variety of airborne threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and both fixed and rotating-wing aircraft. Kjetil Reiten Myhra, Executive Vice President of Defence Systems at Kongsberg, emphasized that the system provides unique protection against small, short-range targets like those seen in Ukraine.

One of the standout features of NOMADS is its ability to rapidly move over rough terrain and deploy swiftly, ensuring that army units can maintain their defensive capabilities even while on the move.

Technical Specifications

The core of NOMADS is a Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) module mounted on an armored vehicle. This vehicle-agnostic module integrates key command and control functions from the medium-range NASAMS system. It includes a passive seeker missile and an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

Additional features include:

• A radar system equipped with identification friend or foe (IFF) capabilities.

• A remote weapon station for self-protection.

• Full integration into NATO Integrated Air & Missile Defence systems.

• Adaptability for any NATO-compatible ground-based air defense mission.

Development and Testing

The NOMADS system has been developed specifically for the Norwegian Army and has already undergone delivery and testing. Its networked nature ensures it can be seamlessly integrated into existing NATO defense infrastructures, providing a versatile and reliable option for ground-based air defense.

Strategic Importance

The development of NOMADS is a direct response to the evolving nature of modern warfare, where drones and other unmanned systems play a significant role. The ability to quickly adapt and respond to these threats is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness and safety of military operations.

By offering a system that combines mobility, rapid deployment, and advanced defensive capabilities, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is positioning NOMADS as a critical asset for NATO and its member countries, enhancing their collective defensive measures against contemporary threats.

Conclusion

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace’s NOMADS represents a significant advancement in ground-based air defense technology. With its mobility, rapid deployment capabilities, and integration with NATO defense systems, NOMADS is well-suited to address the dynamic and evolving threats faced by modern military forces.