Raytheon Australia has successfully integrated the Sidewinder missile with the highly mobile NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) launcher, significantly strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities.
This milestone underscores the growing importance of layered, adaptable air and missile defence systems in Australia’s national security strategy.
Originally developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in partnership with Raytheon, NASAMS is designed to provide short- to medium-range air defence against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
The integration of the Sidewinder missile greatly extends the Australian Army’s ground-based tactical air defence envelope. Compared to systems relying solely on canister launchers or single munition types, this dual-option configuration enhances both mobility and operational flexibility.
