Netherlands to Acquire NASAMS, NOMADS Air Defense Systems for $1B by Year-End

The Netherlands has announced plans to acquire NASAMS and NOMADS air defense systems from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in a deal valued at approximately NOK 11 billion ($1 billion).

On October 14, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) submitted a recommendation to Parliament regarding this acquisition as part of the CITADEL program, an integrated air and missile defense initiative.

Kongsberg confirmed that no further statements will be made until the contract is finalized, which is expected to occur later in 2024.

The Netherlands first procured the NASAMS system in 2006. The new acquisitions will improve and expand the country’s ground-based air defense capabilities. The NASAMS system can utilize various missiles, including the AMRAAM, AMRAAM-Extended Range, and AIM-9X Sidewinder, offering both long-range and short-range capabilities.

Additionally, the CITADEL solution encompasses the National Maneuver Air Defence System (NOMADS), which features a highly mobile configuration with short-range missiles designed to protect land forces in dynamic combat environments. NOMADS includes two launch canisters with two missiles each, a 3D radar, and a KONGSBERG PROTECTOR remote weapon station. It is fully integrated with NASAMS and other NATO systems, allowing for autonomous, networked operations across multiple vehicles.

Kongsberg plans to collaborate with Dutch industry, with weapon system deliveries expected to begin in 2028.