Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace anticipates a $1.01 billion order from the Netherlands for the company’s air defense systems.
The Dutch government is currently awaiting parliamentary approval to procure the NOMADS and NASAMS, shorf for National Manoeuvre Air Defence System and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, respectively, under the Citadel integrated air and missile defense program.
The medium-range, ground-based NASAMS, developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon features the Sentinel 3D radar, a passive electro-optical and infrared sensor, and beyond-visual-range capabilities. The Netherlands procured its first unit in 2006. With the additional units, the Dutch military can improve its ground-based air defense capabilities using the system’s missile canister launchers, which are compatible with Raytheon’s advanced medium-range air-to-air missile and AIM-9X Sidewinder, among other weapons.
Including the NOMADS in the potential billion-dollar deal will complement NASAMS in defeating aerial threats. NOMADS has two launch canisters, a 3D radar and a Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station and integrates key command and control functions and applications from NASAMS and other NATO systems.
Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said the systems will enhance the Netherlands’ operational capabilities and “offer a mobile and integrated air defense solution for NATO allies.”