Ukraine May Get Advanced New NATO Air Defense System

Ukraine's defense capabilities could soon receive a significant upgrade with the potential acquisition of NATO's new National Maneuver Air Defense System (NOMADS).

Developed by Norway's Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, this advanced short-range air defense (SHORAD) system is designed to provide mobile protection for forces on the move. NOMADS is particularly effective against attack helicopters, a persistent threat for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, NOMADS is a highly mobile, armored system intended to safeguard mechanized units near the frontline from various aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. It incorporates advanced technology from the established NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System).

NOMADS integrates several key features to enhance battlefield effectiveness. It is equipped with a 3D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a laser rangefinder, and passive sensors such as day/night and thermal cameras. These sensors provide comprehensive detection and tracking capabilities, essential for swiftly identifying and neutralizing threats.

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. Kjetil Reiten Myhra, Kongsberg's executive vice president for defense systems, emphasized the system's rapid deployment and mobility, allowing it to "shoot and scoot" to enhance survivability near the frontline. He also highlighted NOMADS' ability to "defend against small, short-range targets such as drones and cruise missiles," offering 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 due to Russian military expansion there.

While NOMADS is tailored for high mobility and quick response, Ukraine has also relied heavily on high-to-medium air defense (HIMAD) systems like the U.S.-made Patriot missile system, a 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, although 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 reportedly considering procuring the system for Ukraine in the future.