The Future of SHORAD: AI, Drones, and Lasers in Modern Air Defense
The evolution of brigade-level air defense represents one of the most critical shifts in modern warfare, driven by the urgent need to counter new threats like drone swarms, loitering munitions, and low-observable cruise missiles. Moving far beyond the Cold War’s manual SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense) tactics, the future lies in a … Continue reading The Future of SHORAD: AI, Drones, and Lasers in Modern Air Defense
American vs European Missile Defense: Critical Cost Analysis of GBI, SM-3, SM-6, THAAD, PAC-3, AMRAAM, Aster-30 and IRIS-T
American missile defense interceptors command substantially higher unit acquisition costs than European alternatives, with strategic systems costing $70-90 million per unit compared to European tactical interceptors at $0.45-3.1 million. Continue reading American vs European Missile Defense: Critical Cost Analysis of GBI, SM-3, SM-6, THAAD, PAC-3, AMRAAM, Aster-30 and IRIS-T
NASAMS vs FSAD: Current System vs Future Framework
“Full Spectrum Air Defence,” as defined by Kongsberg, is a comprehensive, layered, and scalable air defense system architecture designed to counter the full range of aerial threats. Continue reading NASAMS vs FSAD: Current System vs Future Framework
About this blog norskluftvern.com
Norskluftvern.com is a highly specialized, authoritative Norwegian air defense blog that has built exceptional credibility over eight years of consistent publication. The site produces professional-grade technical analysis with a unique Norwegian/European perspective, targeting defense professionals and serious enthusiasts through bilingual content. Continue reading About this blog norskluftvern.com
European Sensor Architectures for Space-Ground Integrated Air & Missile Defense
Europe has emerged as a notable force in integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) sensor technologies, driven by €326 billion in defense spending in 2024 and unprecedented threats from hypersonic weapons and complex air attack scenarios. Continue reading European Sensor Architectures for Space-Ground Integrated Air & Missile Defense
Integrated Air & Missile Defense: How Space Powers Modern IAMD
Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) unites protection against air-breathing threats—such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles—with defense against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. Continue reading Integrated Air & Missile Defense: How Space Powers Modern IAMD
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
In the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the vulnerability of European skies to modern aerial threats—from cruise missiles and ballistic missiles to swarms of low-cost drones—became starkly apparent. Out of this urgent reassessment, the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) was born in late 2022. Continue reading The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
The Coming Revolution in Air Defense: How Drones and Directed Energy Are Forcing a Rethink
In recent years, the world of air defense has undergone a seismic shift. While traditional air defense systems remain crucial, a far more profound transformation is now underway—one propelled by the explosive growth of drones, skyrocketing costs for missile interceptors, and the looming promise of laser-based defenses. Continue reading The Coming Revolution in Air Defense: How Drones and Directed Energy Are Forcing a Rethink
SM-6 Missile Defense System: Cost Analysis and Performance Comparison
The Standard Missile-6 stands as the world’s only tri-mission naval interceptor, combining air defense, ballistic missile defense, and anti-surface strike capabilities in a single weapon system. Continue reading SM-6 Missile Defense System: Cost Analysis and Performance Comparison
SM-3/Aegis BMD Missile Defense System: Cost Analysis and Performance Comparison
SM-3 interceptors command $27.9 million per unit for Block IIA variants in 2025, positioning them as the world’s most expensive ballistic missile interceptor. This ultra-premium pricing reflects unique dual land/sea deployment capabilities that no other missile defense system can match. Continue reading SM-3/Aegis BMD Missile Defense System: Cost Analysis and Performance Comparison
