National Maneuverable Air Defense System
Introduction
NOMADS (National Maneuverable Air Defense System) is a tailored air defense system designed to protect forces and maneuver axes during a dynamic and contested land warfare environment. The system combines mobility, firepower, and protection to meet the needs of mobile mechanized units.
NOMADS Facts
Capabilities: NOMADS can handle a wide range of air threats, including cruise missiles, helicopters, aircraft, and UAVs.
Sensors: The system is equipped with both passive and active sensors to detect enemy targets. Passive sensors include a day/night camera and thermal imager, while active sensors include a 3D AESA radar and laser rangefinder.
Effectors: NOMADS has an arsenal of effectors to engage and destroy enemy targets. This includes 4x AIM9x-Bl-2 Sidewinder or Iris-T missiles ready to fire, a 12.7mm HMG on a remotely controlled weapon station (RWS), and an optional directional RF jammer.
Command & Control and Communication: NOMADS inherits NASAMS’ advanced command and control systems and offers flexible VHF & UHF communication. The system is compatible with IFF NATO Mode 5, Level 2 and enables fully network-based and distributed air defense operations.
Interoperability: NOMADS can be integrated with NATO’s Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and is interoperable with any air defense battalion (GBAD) or unit through standardized NATO data links and protocols.
NOMADS offers a number of advantages for mobile forces in land warfare
High mobility: The system is mounted on an armored mechanized vehicle, giving it rapid mobility and the ability to get into optimal positions to engage enemy targets.
High level of protection: NOMADS is designed to operate in a dynamic and contested land warfare environment and offers a high level of protection for crew and equipment.
Wide range of capabilities: The system can handle a wide range of air threats, providing significant flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield.
Network-based: NOMADS is a fully networked system, enabling seamless communication and data sharing with other air defense units and command centers.
Interoperable: NOMADS can be integrated with NATO’s air and missile defense systems and is interoperable with any air defense battalion (GBAD) or unit, increasing overall effectiveness in a coalition environment.
NOMADS in the Context of Air Defense Principles
Ability to aggregate forces: NOMADS’ mobility allows the system to quickly assemble with other air defense units and form a robust air defense network.
Mix of capabilities: NOMADS combines missiles, machine guns, and electronic warfare to effectively handle a wide range of air threats.
Ability to maneuver: NOMADS’ mobility and network-based architecture give the system a significant advantage in quickly responding to changing threats and scenarios.
System integration: NOMADS can be integrated with NATO’s air and missile defense systems and is interoperable with other air defense units, ensuring a seamless and effective air defense effort.
Conclusion
NOMADS represents a potentially significant advancement in air defense for mobile forces in land warfare. The system’s mobility, sensor capability, varied effector capability with missiles, projectiles, and electronic warfare, protection, and network-based capabilities make it a valuable tool for protecting forces and maneuver axes during deployment.
Images: Kongsberg, Forsvaret
