Ukraine's defense capabilities may soon receive a significant boost with the potential acquisition of NATO's new National Maneuver Air Defense System (NOMADS).
Developed by Norway's Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, the advanced short-range air defense (SHORAD) system is designed to provide mobile air defense for forces on the move. Attack helicopters, which have proven particularly troublesome for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, are among the specific threats NOMADS is equipped to counter.
Unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, NOMADS is an armored, highly mobile system intended to protect mechanized units near the frontline against various aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. It leverages advanced technology from the well-established NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System).
NOMADS integrates several key features to enhance its battlefield effectiveness. It is equipped with a 3D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a laser rangefinder and passive sensors, including day/night and thermal cameras. These sensors provide comprehensive detection and tracking capabilities, essential for quickly identifying and neutralizing threats.
The standard armament for NOMADS includes four AIM-9X Block 2 Sidewinder missiles, a .50 caliber machine gun on a remote weapon station, and an optional radio-frequency directional jammer.
Kongsberg's executive vice president for defense systems, Kjetil Reiten Myhra, emphasized the system's rapid deployment and mobility, allowing it to "shoot and scoot" to enhance survivability near the frontline. Myhra also highlighted NOMADS' capability to "defend against small, short-range targets such as drones and cruise missiles," providing unique protection in modern combat scenarios.
According to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, NOMADS was recently tested at Andøya in the Arctic region, a key operating area for the Norwegian Armed Forces and an increasingly strategic environment overall, given Russian military expansion there.
Mobility vs. Coverage: NOMADS and Patriot Systems
While NOMADS is tailored for high mobility and quick response, Ukraine has also been heavily reliant on high-to-medium air defense (HIMAD) systems like the U.S.-made Patriot missile system, another critical component of NATO's air defense network.
NOMADS offers enhanced mobility and rapid deployment capabilities, making it suitable for protecting maneuvering units in fast-paced combat environments. Its integration with NASAMS command-and-control architecture allows for interoperability with other NATO air defense systems as part of a cohesive defense network.
The MIM-104 Patriot system, while less mobile, provides comprehensive coverage against a broader range of aerial threats, making it ideal for protecting strategic assets and larger areas. It features the AN/MPQ-53/65 radar set, capable of tracking over 50 targets and engaging multiple threats simultaneously. It employs a combination of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, with the latter providing hit-to-kill capability against ballistic missile threats.
The potential acquisition of NOMADS by Ukraine underscores ongoing efforts across the West to bolster the country's air defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. With the increasing prevalence of drone and missile threats, systems like NOMADS and Patriot play a crucial role.
An initial batch of six NOMADS systems is planned for delivery to the Norwegian Armed Forces, with four reportedly already handed over. Beyond Norway, Germany is said to be considering procuring the system for Ukraine in the future.
About the writer
Jesus is a Newsweek Live News Reporter based in New York. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, his focus is reporting on ... Read more
