Ukraine is using NASAMS and IRIS-T systems to counter Russian missiles, demonstrating their effectiveness and adaptability in a war situation.
Ukraine has been facing an intense war since the Russian invasion in 2022, which has led to increased use of air defence systems to protect its infrastructure and people. Among the most effective are the NASAMS and IRIS-T systems, which have proven their ability to intercept Russian missiles. These systems, the result of international collaboration, have become essential not only for Ukraine, but also for NATO countries seeking to strengthen their own air defence in the face of a growing threat.
The situation in Ukraine: an escalation of the infrastructure war
Since the start of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has had to deal with an intensification of attacks targeting its civilian infrastructure. This strategy, inherited from scorched earth tactics, aims to render certain regions uninhabitable and drive the population to flee. To counter this threat, Ukraine has asked NATO for help in reinforcing its air defence systems.
NATO’s response was swift. A defence system called Sky Shield has been developed by a coalition of European countries, including Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The system is designed to protect Europe against missile attacks, particularly from Russia. The change in attitude of Switzerland, which is considering joining this programme despite two centuries of neutrality, illustrates the perceived seriousness of the threat.
The growing need for protection against ballistic and cruise missiles has led to the adoption of systems such as the American Patriot, the European IRIS-T, the Norwegian NASAMS and the Israeli Arrow. Each of these systems offers different capabilities for intercepting short- and long-range missiles, thus contributing to a multi-layered air defence. Coordinated efforts to improve air intelligence and surveillance, notably through the MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, also play a key role in this strategy.
NASAMS and IRIS-T systems: proven solutions in Ukraine
The NASAMS and IRIS-T systems have been widely used in Ukraine to intercept Russian missiles aimed at civilian and military targets. The NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), developed by Norway in cooperation with Raytheon in the United States, uses AMRAAM air-to-air missiles modified for ground-to-air use. A typical NASAMS consists of 12 launch vehicles, each equipped with six missiles, and can detect targets at a range of 160 kilometres.
The IRIS-T, on the other hand, is a European system developed by Germany, based on a shorter-range air-to-air missile. It offers a more economical alternative with an interception range of up to 40 kilometres. In Ukraine, these systems have proved their effectiveness by intercepting a large number of Russian missiles. For example, during massive strikes against Kiev, the IRIS-T and NASAMS systems managed to shoot down the majority of incoming missiles, thus protecting critical infrastructure.
The technical characteristics of these systems make them complementary. NASAMS, with a range of 30 to 50 kilometres for its AMRAAM missiles, is ideal for defending larger areas. On the other hand, the IRIS-T, with its slightly shorter range but lower cost, is suitable for more localised defences or as a complement to other systems. This complementarity has enabled Ukraine to respond effectively to attacks, despite constant pressure from Russian forces.
NATO’s response: strengthening European air defence
The war in Ukraine was a wake-up call for many European countries, which realised how vulnerable they were to similar attacks. Before 2022, the threat of an air or missile attack on Europe was largely theoretical. However, the war in Ukraine demonstrated the reality of this threat, prompting NATO countries to accelerate the development and deployment of air defence systems.
NATO’s Sky Shield programme is a direct response to this threat. It brings together several defence systems to offer comprehensive protection against different types of missile, from ballistic missiles to cruise missiles. Collaboration between member nations enables resources to be pooled and systems standardised for maximum effectiveness. The growing interest in the Israeli Arrow system, designed to intercept long-range missiles, also demonstrates the desire of European countries to acquire the best available technologies.
The integration of the NASAMS and IRIS-T systems into national defences is another example of this coordinated response. These systems have already proved their worth in Ukraine and are now being adopted by several other European countries. For example, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands have all strengthened their defences by acquiring NASAMS systems, and production of these systems has been stepped up to meet the increased demand.
Economic and industrial consequences: growing demand for defence systems
The increase in demand for air defence systems has a direct impact on the arms industry in Europe and the United States. Companies such as Raytheon, Kongsberg and Diehl Defence (the manufacturer of the IRIS-T) have seen their order books explode since the start of the war in Ukraine. Production of AMRAAM and IRIS-T missiles has been stepped up, but it will take at least until 2025 to catch up with current demand.
This situation highlights the logistical and industrial challenges posed by a prolonged conflict. By increasing their missile stockpiles and boosting their production capacity, European countries are preparing for a possible large-scale conflict. However, this increase in production comes at a cost. It is estimated that a complete NASAMS battery can cost several hundred million euros, while an AMRAAM missile costs around 800,000 euros.
Increased production is also constrained by economic sanctions against Russia, which limit access to certain raw materials essential for the manufacture of electronic components. In addition, dependence on certain foreign suppliers for critical components, such as semi-conductors, poses a further risk to the supply chain.
Future prospects: the evolution of defence doctrines in Europe
The war in Ukraine has transformed the way European countries think about their defence. Air defence systems, once neglected, are now central to national and NATO military strategies. The adoption of systems such as NASAMS and IRIS-T shows that European countries are prepared to invest massively to protect their populations and infrastructures.
In the long term, this strategic reorientation could lead to a complete restructuring of Europe’s armed forces. Investment in air defence could be accompanied by modernisation of the other branches of the armed forces, including land and naval forces. In addition, the integration of air defence systems into a broader defence architecture, including cyber defence and electronic warfare, will be essential to meet future threats.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.