By Matt Underwood Norway and Ukraine are reportedly in discussions to collaborate on the co-production of a new air defense missile. This venture focuses on creating a less expensive and more easily mass-produced missile system compared to existing options like the NASAMS. The goal is to address Ukraine’s urgent need for a substantial quantity of air defense capabilities, rather than a smaller number of highly sophisticated but expensive missiles.
This approach recognizes a crucial strategic advantage: quantity over quality. Having thousands of missiles with a 70% success rate could be significantly more effective against a barrage of incoming attacks than a smaller number of highly accurate but expensive missiles. Simply put, even if some of the cheaper missiles miss their targets, the sheer volume creates a much more robust defensive shield.
The planned missile is envisioned as a less “exquisite” version of existing systems, allowing for faster and simpler manufacturing processes. This strategy directly addresses the current situation in Ukraine, where the demand for air defense significantly outweighs the supply of advanced systems. The emphasis is on rapid production and deployment to meet immediate needs.
This collaboration leverages Norway’s established expertise in air-to-air missiles, a strong foundation upon which to build a more cost-effective and readily available air defense missile. The potential for mass production offers advantages not only for Ukraine’s current defense efforts but also for other nations needing similar capabilities in the future.
The project’s emphasis on mass production also addresses concerns about over-reliance on specific missile systems and their associated manufacturers. De-Americanizing the supply chain, as some have suggested, could enhance the strategic autonomy of Europe, reducing its dependence on a single supplier of crucial defense components. This diversification in manufacturing would allow for a more resilient defense network across the region.
The initiative aligns with the understanding that various levels of air defense are needed. While high-tech systems remain essential for tackling complex threats, a cheaper alternative effectively addresses the challenges posed by simpler, slower targets like drones. The cost-effectiveness of this approach would make widespread deployment more achievable.
The discussions surrounding this new missile also highlight the ongoing need for international cooperation in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. While some observers have questioned why certain countries aren’t more actively involved, this collaborative effort between Norway and Ukraine demonstrates a commitment to providing practical and effective solutions. This joint venture directly addresses the pressing need for affordable, readily available air defense systems.
It’s important to note that the new missile is not intended to replace existing high-end systems, but to supplement them. The aim is not to create a superior missile in terms of performance compared to, for example, AMRAAMs currently used in NASAMS systems, but rather a system that complements those systems by offering a cheaper, higher-quantity solution to meet overwhelming demand. The practicality of a missile system suited for mass production is paramount, especially considering the ongoing conflict and the vast amount of air defense capabilities Ukraine requires.
The ease with which other missile types can be integrated into systems such as NASAMS offers flexibility in the design and production of this new missile. Although some have expressed doubts about the simplicity of swapping missile types, the adaptable nature of the platform opens up possibilities for using existing technologies and reducing the need for entirely new systems. Ultimately, the focus is on producing a missile that effectively meets the needs of Ukrainian defense, even if it might not reach the peak performance of some more advanced systems. This reflects a pragmatic approach that prioritizes volume and rapid deployment above all else.
The development of this joint air defense missile is a significant step in providing Ukraine with the tools necessary to protect itself from ongoing threats. It demonstrates the potential of international collaboration to address critical defense needs, while also showcasing the value of finding cost-effective solutions in large-scale conflict situations. The focus on mass production and adaptability ensures that this new missile system will be a valuable asset to Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, now and in the future.