Kongsberg has added the fully mobile NOMADS short-range air defence system after its long history with the medium-range NASAMS. NOMADS is based on an M113 tracked armoured vehicle with four AIM-9X Block II IIR-guided missiles in fixed launchers. The system features an AESA radar with a 50+ km range and electro-optics, making it more mobile and independent than NASAMS. In addition to AIM-9X missiles, the vehicle has an onboard 12.7 mm RCWS for self-defence and an option for RF jammers against small UAVs. RF jammer option might be considered a lesson taken from the Russo-Ukrainian War’s frequent kamikaze UAV attacks on short-range air defence systems with ineffective sensors and effectors to deal with such small-sized threats.
The system is similar to the Turkish HİSAR A+ based on an ACV-30 armoured vehicle regarding missile range, load, and onboard radar. However, the AIM-9X missiles are fired from a fixed-angled launcher, while HİSAR A+ missiles are launched vertically.
Such systems can engage targets beyond the ranges of MANPADS-carrying platforms while having the same amount of mobility and independence. The onboard radar also provides nearby air defence assets with an extra eye in the sky.
