NOMADS ground-based air defence system

In October 2019, the Norwegian Army signed a contract for the development of a mobile ground based air defence system worth NOK 583 million. It is designed with short range capabilities objectives, a capability to be used off-road, and to be equipped with modern missiles, an AESA radar.{{Cite web |title=Contract to deliver Mobile Ground Based Air Defence to the Norwegian Army worth 583 MNOK |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/newsroom/news-archive/2019/contract-to-deliver-mobile-ground-based-air-defence-to-the-norwegian-army-worth-583-mnok/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}

A demonstration of the system took place in 2023.{{Cite web |title=– Mechanized Short-Range Air Defence with unique capabilities |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/newsroom/stories/2024/6/-mechanized-short-range-air-defence-with-unique-capabilities/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}

In June 2024, the mobile GBAD system was unveiled for the first time, and the name of the system was unveiled as well NOMADS.

The NOMADS is an air defence module for armoured vehicles that is designed to lock on standard 10-foot ISO container twist locks.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-27 |title=IAV 2025: FFG showcases tracked Skyranger concept for the Netherlands |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/land/iav-2025-ffg-showcases-tracked-skyranger-concept-for-the-netherlands |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Default |language=en}}

The primary platform for which the module was designed is the ACSV G5 from the German company FFG (Flensburger Fahrzeugbau GmbH).{{Cite web |title=– Mechanized Short-Range Air Defence with unique capabilities |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/newsroom/stories/2024/6/-mechanized-short-range-air-defence-with-unique-capabilities/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}} However, the module could equip any vehicle that would have the dimensions, the payload and stability requirements met.{{Cite web |last=Badhwar |first=Colby |date=2024-11-09 |title=Kongsberg unveils new NOMADS air defense system |url=https://defensearchives.com/news/kongsberg-unveils-new-nomads-air-defense-system/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Defense Archives |language=en-US}}

The ACSV G5 is an armoured tracked vehicle with a capability to be used offroad. It uses the Composite Rubber Track system supplied by the Canadian company Soucy.{{Cite web |title=Quebec-based Soucy composite track system on Norwegian combat support vehicle {{!}} Canadian Army Today |url=https://canadianarmytoday.com/quebec-based-soucy-tracks-on-norwegian-combat-support-vehicle/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Heckel-Elies |first=Angeline |date=2022-11-22 |title=CRT Systems |url=https://soucy-defense.com/crt-systems/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Soucy Defense Division |language=en-US}}

As part of the vehicle design philosophy, it is approached with a high degree of standardisation, such as:{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-06-17 |title=FFG PRÄSENTIERT GEPANZERTE INNOVATIONEN IN PARIS |url=https://defence-network.com/ffg-praesentiert-gepanzerte-innovationen/,%20https://defence-network.com/ffg-praesentiert-gepanzerte-innovationen |access-date=2025-05-29 |language=de}}

• Extensive use of MOTS (military off the shelf) and COTS (commercial off the shelf) products and parts. These include existing mechanical parts that are already battle-proven (engine, transmission, tracks, suspension).
• Electronic components of the vehicle:
• Compliant with the NGVA standards (NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture).
• Compliant with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Data security by complying with the concept of red and black networks.

It is a multi-mission vehicle that is being used by Norway for several other roles, and will be used by the Netherlands as a command vehicle for the air-defence batteries. It was also announced in April 2025 that the Netherlands had an interest for a larger order of ACSV G5. That would include 100 to 150 vehicles.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-25 |title=Combat General Purpose Vehicle – FFG kann auf Großauftrag für den ACSV G5 aus den Niederlanden hoffen |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/combat-general-purpose-vehicle-ffg-kann-auf-grossauftrag-fuer-den-acsv-g5-aus-den-niederlanden-hoffen/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |language=de}}

File:PMMC G5 with NOMADS air defence system.jpg

The NOMADS is equipped with 3 effectors:

• 4 × surface to air missiles that are installed in two launcher canisters, one on each side of the vehicle. When the system gets into position, the canisters are raised.
• A remote weapon station.
• As an option, a RF directional jammer can be installed.

The NOMADS was developed to fire the IRIS-T SLS missile. It is the same missile as the air-to-air variant.{{Cite web |last=Badhwar |first=Colby |date=2024-11-09 |title=Kongsberg unveils new NOMADS air defense system |url=https://defensearchives.com/news/kongsberg-unveils-new-nomads-air-defense-system/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Defense Archives |language=en-US}} And launched from the ground, it has a range of {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a flight ceiling of {{convert|8|km|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Onlineredaktion |first=Dorothee FrankLeiterin |date=2024-08-01 |title=Aktuelle und künftige Versionen der IRIS-T SL |url=https://defence-network.com/kuenftig-luftverteidigungssystem-iris-t-sl/,%20https://defence-network.com/kuenftig-luftverteidigungssystem-iris-t-sl |access-date=2025-05-31 |language=de}}

Some trials took place in summer 2023 with this missile.

The reason for this choice came from the face that Norway used that missile with its F-16, 150 missiles were initially purchased.{{cite web |title=Diehl Defence: IRIS-T, the short-distance missile of the latest generation |url=http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/press-media/subjects-in-the-focus/iris-t-the-short-distance-missile-of-the-latest-generation.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330051726/http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/press-media/subjects-in-the-focus/iris-t-the-short-distance-missile-of-the-latest-generation.html |archive-date=30 March 2014 |access-date=19 April 2014 |publisher=Diehl.com}}{{Cite web |title=IRIS-T |url=https://www.deagel.com/weapons/iris-t/a001103 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250217010354/https://www.deagel.com/weapons/iris-t/a001103 |archive-date=2025-02-17 |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=www.deagel.com |language=en}} As Norway retired the F-16, and replaced it with the F-35A which cannot use the IRIS-T missile, it was decided to reuse the missile with its air-defence systems, the NOMADS and the NASAMS. However, in the summer of 2023, Ukraine needed some additional air-defence munitions. As Germany provided IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM air defence fire units, Norway decided to donate its remaining missiles.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-08-27 |title=Norway to Donate IRIS-T Surface-to-air Missiles and Equipments to Ukraine - MilitaryLeak.COM |url=https://militaryleak.com/2023/08/27/norway-to-donate-iris-t-surface-to-air-missiles-and-equipments-to-ukraine/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |language=en-US}}

Norway could have continued to use the IRIS-T SLS as its range is longer, but a major share of the production of the missiles is dedicated to Ukraine.

Norway already used the AIM-9x Block 2 with its NASAMS and its F-35A, it became the obvious choice for this NOMADS. With the AIM-9X Block 2, the range mentioned by Kongsberg is {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Eurosatory 2024: Kongsberg launches NOMADS air-defence system |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/eurosatory-2024-kongsberg-launches-nomads-air-defence-system |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718150537/https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/eurosatory-2024-kongsberg-launches-nomads-air-defence-system |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Default |language=en}}

A remote weapon station can be installed on the system. Kongsberg presented the NOMADS at Eurosatory 2024 with the Protector RS4 RWS equipped with a M2 Browning HMG.

Kongsberg presented the NOMADS at Eurosatory 2024 with a Blackrock jammer as a counter-UAS system, although no information suggests that this option was chosen by the Norwegian Army.

The radar selected by Norway and the Netherlands for the NOMADS is the Weibel Scientific XENTA-M5. The XENTA-M radar family is used as 3D radars for surveillance and target tracking of aerial objects and it can be used on the move. The radar works on the X-band, it is made of GaN TRM, and it is designed for a 360° coverage as it rotates at a speed of 60 rpm. It is able to follow high and low speed targets, large aircraft, missiles and small UAVs.{{Cite web |title=XENTA-M1, XENTA-M3 & XENTA-M5 SHORAD Radars |url=https://www.weibelradars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/XENTA-Brochure-Air-Defense.pdf}}

In May 2025, Kongsberg signed a contract with Weibel Scientific for a batch of radars to be supplied in 2026 and 2027. The contract had a value of DKr 500 million (the equivalent of USD $75 million). The radars are manufactured in Denmark.{{Cite web |last=Rani |first=Archana |date=2025-05-16 |title=Weibel to deliver XENTA radars for Norwegian NOMADS system |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/weibel-radars-norwegian-nomads/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Army Technology |language=en-US}}

Kongsberg mentioned that the system was designed to use other radars that have a similar role, the following radars are suitable options for a SHORAD role:

• Saab Giraffe 1X 3D multi-mission radar{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Kongsberg führt das mobile Luftverteidigungssystem NOMADS auf FFG-Fahrzeug ein |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/kongsberg-fuehrt-das-mobile-luftverteidigungssystem-nomads-auf-ffg-fahrzeug-ein/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |language=de}}
• Hensoldt Spexer 2000M 3D MkIII{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Kongsberg führt das mobile Luftverteidigungssystem NOMADS auf FFG-Fahrzeug ein |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/kongsberg-fuehrt-das-mobile-luftverteidigungssystem-nomads-auf-ffg-fahrzeug-ein/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |language=de}}
• Oerlikon AMMR 2.0 (AESA Multi-Mission Radar, Rheinmetall Air Defence Italia){{Cite web |title=Oerlikon AMMR2.0 - AESA Multi-mission radar family |url=https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Air-Defence/D1148e0524-Oerlikon-AMMR-2.0-AESA-multi-mission-radar-family.pdf}}

The remote weapon station is equipped with both active sensors (laser range finder) and passive sensors (a day/night camera, and a thermal camera).

The NOMADS inherits some of the NASAMS C2 functions and applications. It is interoperable with NATO data links and protocols, and therefore it can integrate NATO IAMD (Integrated Air and Missile Defence).{{Cite web |title=Closer to the frontline – Mechanized Short-Range Air Defence with unique capabilities |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/stories/2024/6/closer-to-the-frontline---mechanized-short-range-air-defence-with-unique-capabilities/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}

The NOMADS is equipped with VHF and UHF radio systems. It uses an IFF (identification friend or foe) NATO Mode 5 Level 2.

The NOMADS system is capable of operating as part of a distributed network operation. It can use both the Link 16 and the JREAP-C (Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol - variant C) as tactical data links.

; {{flag|Norway}} (6)

: 6 NOMADS ordered in 2019, with 4 handed over as of July 2024, but not yet operational.{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2024-06-19 |title=Norway’s NOMADS Armored Short Range Air Defense System Unveiled |url=https://www.twz.com/land/norways-nomads-short-range-air-defense-system-unveiled |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}

; {{flag|Netherlands}} (18)

: As part of the CITADEL programme, the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands announced selecting the Norwegian Kongsberg M-GBAD air-defence system based on the ACSV G5 in June 2023, with deliveries expected in 2028 and 2029.{{cite web |date=5 June 2023 |title=Verwerving luchtverdediging op korte en middellange afstand in 1 project |trans-title=Acquisition air defence on short and long distance in 1 project |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/06/05/verwerving-luchtverdediging-op-korte-en-middellange-afstand-in-1-project |access-date=5 June 2023 |language=Dutch}} These vehicles will eventually replace the 18 Fennek SWP (Stinger Weapon Platform) equipped with 4 FIM-92 Stinger missiles.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-07 |title=Netherlands will enhance GBAD capabilities with NASAMS air defence system |url=https://defence-industry.eu/netherlands-will-enhance-gbad-capabilities-with-nasams-air-defence-system/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |language=en}}

: In November 2024, the Netherlands signed a contract for the delivery of:{{Cite web |last=Valpolini |first=Paolo |date=2024-11-21 |title=Kongsberg signs NOK 12 bn contract for NASAMS and NOMADS deliveries to the Netherlands |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/kongsberg-signs-nok-12-bn-contract-for-nasams-and-nomads-deliveries-to-the-netherlands |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=EDR Magazine |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=Netherlands to acquire NASAMS and NOMADS air defence systems from KONGSBERG |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/newsroom/news-archive/2024/netherlands-to-acquire-nasams-and-nomads-air-defence-systems-from-kongsberg/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Kongsberg führt das mobile Luftverteidigungssystem NOMADS auf FFG-Fahrzeug ein |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/kongsberg-fuehrt-das-mobile-luftverteidigungssystem-nomads-auf-ffg-fahrzeug-ein/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |language=de-DE}}

:* NASAMS-3 systems

:* 18 NOMADS air defence systems

:* 6 command vehicles based on the ACSV G5

• [https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/what-we-do/defence-and-security/integrated-air-and-missile-defence/NOMADS/ Kongsberg - NOMADS page]

{{Norwegian Armed Forces}}{{Military equipment of Europe}}

Category:Kongsberg Gruppen

Category:Missile defense

Category:Surface-to-air missiles of Norway

Category:Weapons of Norway