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Ukrainian NASAMS Crew Take Down 11 Russian Missiles in Just Two Minutes
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that operators of the NASAMS surface-to-air missile system successfully intercepted 11 Russian cruise missiles during a single engagement lasting less than two minutes.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force on April 27, the operation was conducted by an air defense unit led by Hero of Ukraine Kyrylo Peretiatko. The unit has destroyed over 150 aerial targets to date, predominantly cruise missiles.
During the engagement, the NASAMS system detected and targeted incoming missiles with rapid launches, demonstrating what Peretiatko described as a record-setting speed of reloading and engagement.
NASAMS, a Norwegian-made short- to medium-range air defense system, was one of the first Western systems delivered to Ukraine in the fall of 2022. The system consists of a command post, a radar unit, and launchers, each equipped with six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
It is specifically designed to intercept aerodynamic targets such as aircraft, helicopters, various modifications of cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Peretiatko emphasized that NASAMS is not capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. The system’s radar cannot lock onto ballistic targets, and the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile is not designed for ballistic interception.
He also addressed Russian disinformation claims, stating that Ukrainian air defense operations do not cause civilian casualties or infrastructure damage. According to Peretiatko, the AIM-120 AMRAAM self-destructs mid-air if it misses a target and does not have the explosive power of Russian ballistic missiles.
The Air Force reiterated the importance of maintaining a consistent supply of missiles for NASAMS systems, noting that each successful interception contributes directly to saving civilian lives and protecting Ukrainian cities.
Earlier, Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace announced plans to establish a joint venture in Ukraine to produce NASAMS missiles, aiming to manufacture hundreds of units using Ukrainian technology, according to Euractiv.
