For the first time, Lithuanian forces have deployed the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system. This was stated by the press service of the country’s armed forces.

What is known

NASAMS was involved in the Geležinis vilkas 2023-I exercise, which began on May 8 and will end on May 20. The Lithuanian Armed Forces have published photographs showing the process of preparing an anti-aircraft missile system.

The air defense system uses AIM-120 AMRAAM aircraft missiles modified to be launched from ground launchers. This version of the ammunition is called SL-AMRAAM.

Lithuania announced the purchase of NASAMS in the fall of 2017. The Baltic country received anti-aircraft missile systems in 2020. The acquisition of the Norwegian system developed by Kongsberg cost €110 million (~$119 million at current exchange rates).

NASAMS is a medium-range air defense system. It is designed to counter maneuvering aerodynamic threats at an altitude of up to 16 km and a range of up to 40 km. The anti-aircraft missile system can intercept air targets moving at speeds up to 1 km/s.

Source: Lithuanian army