The Australian Army’s National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) has achieved final operational capability, strengthening the country’s integrated air and missile defense architecture.
The milestone confirms that NASAMS has met its operational requirements and is ready for Australian Defence Force (ADF) missions.
Delivered under the Short Range Ground Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) project, NASAMS forms the inner layer of the broader Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability.
NASAMS will replace the army’s existing Short-Range Air Defence capability, including the RBS-70, as its principal air defence system.
“The achievement of Final Operational Capability for NASAMS marks a significant milestone in strengthening Australia’s integrated air and missile defence capability,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said.
“NASAMS provides the army with a modern, highly capable air defence system that enhances our ability to protect Australian Defence Force personnel, critical assets and infrastructure from a range of airborne threats.”
Domestic Components
Australia approved the SRGBAD project in 2017 and enhanced the capability in 2019 by integrating Canberra-based CEA Technologies’ Active Electronically Scanned Array radars.
Australian industry played a key role in delivering NASAMS, including integrating key components and providing ongoing sustainment and support in Australia.
The Australian Army operates an enhanced version featuring Australian radar technology, a Hawkei-based launcher, and an infrared/optical sensor. The system can employ AMRAAM or Sidewinder missiles from either Hawkei-based high-mobility launchers or Mk II canister launchers mounted on HX77 heavy trucks, with up to six missiles per platform.
Each NASAMS troop will operate three launchers, while the 110th Battery of Adelaide-based 16 Regiment is the first Australian unit to receive the system. The regiment is planned to field two batteries as part of its NASAMS force structure.
“This air and missile defence capability strengthens Defence’s ability to protect Australian forces from modern airborne threats, including cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones,” Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“Australian-designed radar technology is a key part of this capability, highlighting the important contribution local industry makes to Australia’s national security,” he added.
NASAMS
NASAMS is a ground-based air defense system jointly developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and US defense company Raytheon in cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. It is equipped with interceptors fitted with high-explosive blast-fragmentation warheads.
Each launcher can carry up to six missiles and engage fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and cruise missiles at ranges up to 60 kilometers (37 miles).
Its distributed sensor network can detect threats at ranges of around 120 kilometers (75 miles) and engage targets at altitudes up to 21,000 meters (69,000 feet).
NASAMS is used or being procured by more than a dozen countries, including Ukraine, Australia, Chile, Spain, and the US.
