The Spanish Ministry of Defense is nearing completion of the final adjustments to a program focused on upgrading Nasum’s anti-aircraft systems. This system provides shielding against both medium and low range threats.
So what’s the main goal here? The department aims to upgrade four squadrons that have faithfully served the Army’s air defense force for more than 20 years. Their plan is to replace these with the latest version, version 2+. Additionally, they plan to equip the Air Force with brand new batteries, effectively replacing the Spada 2000 systems sent to Ukraine last year.
On the other hand, the Directorate General of Munitions, [DGAM] has begun the contracting process for the Nasams program. It is a huge project with a budget of over 400 million euros. According to a statement from the National Contracting Platform, the contract bid is currently under preliminary examination.
This is “modernization”
According to Spanish media reports, new plans are underway to purchase a total of four batteries. These will replace older versions currently used by the nation’s military, with additional versions added for Air Deployment Support Squadrons. [EADA] Belongs to the Aerospace Forces. “Modernization” According to official statements, this is the main purpose of this plan.
However, it is important to understand that the military does not plan to acquire a total of eight batteries. He is not going to add 4 new ones to the existing inventory. Our sources reveal that the goal is to significantly upgrade his current four-battery system. This strategic shift aims to address the aging of certain system components and, in turn, improve the performance of equipment in use. Importantly, it is clearly stated that this contract does not include the procurement of new missiles for batteries.
Spain acquired NASAMS in 2003
In 2003, Norway embarked on a journey to strengthen its naval power by purchasing five Frijof Nansen-class frigates. As part of this venture, they also gained control of her Nasams system. More than 20 years later, Spain is still the only country whose batteries have not been modernized.
Looking back over the past decade, the Department of Defense acknowledges that it has faced problems with certain components. Procuring these components is also becoming increasingly difficult.
air force battery
The Aerospace Forces recently received new Nasams batteries. This latest asset strengthens its defensive capabilities. The acquisition follows Ukraine’s contribution of the Aspide battery, a key component of the retiring Sparda system.
When Kiev’s government appealed for anti-aircraft systems to strengthen its defenses against a possible Russian missile attack, Spain responded. As a show of alliance, they donated this battery and several Hawk launchers to Ukraine.
Since last year, Spain has increased its involvement in defense operations. They deployed one of Cartagena’s three Nasams squadrons to Liel Valdez Air Base in Latvia under a NATO mission. By late 2023, another battery was deployed at a base in Estonia’s Baltic Sea.
About NASAMS
NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is a defense tool designed to protect large areas from airborne threats.
The system was jointly developed by two companies: Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace of Norway and Raytheon of the United States. Originally designed for the Norwegian Air Force. However, one of its distinguishing features is the ability to customize and adapt it to different situations depending on your requirements.
NASAMS is well known for its flexibility and multipurpose capabilities. It can be integrated with a variety of sensing and weapons systems, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM, ESSM, and even container-launched surface-to-air missiles. As a result, it is able to counter a huge number of air threats such as planes, drones, and cruise missiles.
The protection range of NASAMS depends on the type of missile used. For example, the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile can target threats 25 kilometers away and 50,000 feet high. However, if ESSM missiles are used, the defense range will be further expanded.
How to use?
NASAMS is a system that operates using network technology. Employs both active and passive sensors to detect and track potential threats.Once a risk is identified, the NASAMS Fire Distribution Center [FDC] Assess the situation and assign a responding missile squadron if necessary.
The assigned missile battery then fires the missile. This missile utilizes a built-in guidance system to attack targets. NASAMS also incorporates command and control elements that allow it to respond in real time and provide up-to-date information on ongoing threats. This versatility allows NASAMS to adapt to changing conditions on the battlefield, making it a robust and flexible solution for air defense missions.
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