Norway has delivered a “significant number” of missiles to Ukraine to support the continued operation of its NASAMS amid sustained russian aerial attacks. The announcement underscores Oslo’s focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense as one of the most urgent priorities of military assistance.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that air defense remains a key pillar of Norway’s support for Ukraine, reflecting the critical role such systems play in protecting civilian infrastructure and military assets from missile and drone strikes.
The delivery was also confirmed by Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, following a conversation with Norway’s Minister of Defense Tore Sandvik. While Mykhailo Fedorov did not specify the exact missile types supplied, the confirmation indicates continued efforts to ensure the operational readiness of Ukraine’s Western-supplied air defense systems.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile launch / open source
NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is one of the cornerstone medium-range air defense systems in Ukrainian service. Originally developed by Norway’s Kongsberg in cooperation with the United States’ Raytheon, the system has proven effective against a wide range of aerial threats.
The complex primarily uses AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles adapted for ground launch, but it is also capable of employing AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and the extended-range AMRAAM-ER variant. This flexibility allows operators to tailor missile selection based on the type of target and engagement distance.
Depending on the missile used, NASAMS can engage targets at ranges of approximately 20 to 50 kilometers. The system is designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, making it particularly relevant given russia’s reliance on mixed missile and drone attacks.
Sustaining NASAMS missile stocks is critical, as the effectiveness of air defense depends not only on the number of launchers and radars but also on the availability of interceptors during prolonged strike campaigns. Regular resupply helps prevent gaps in coverage and maintains a constant defensive posture.
As Defense Express previously reported, U.S. defense company Textron Systems has announced the award of a contract to produce Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) Commando Select armored personnel carrier, a platform effectively identical to well-known M1117 Guardian vehicle but marketed for foreign governments and private customers. The contract is linked to Ukraine-related security assistance.
The M1117 Guardian vehicle in Afghanistan / Photo credit: U.S. ArmyRead more: American Commando Select APC Production Once Tailored for Afghanistan Is Now Being Revived for Ukraine