Ukraine: What is the NASAMS air defence system?

Ukraine is set to receive a new weapons system in its conflict with Russia – the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems or NASAMS.

Designed to provide medium to long-range air defence against aircraft, cruise missiles or drones, NASAMS can fire short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles plus the medium-range AIM-120 – identical to the missiles used on fighter aircraft.

The latest version uses the GhostEye radar system originally developed for the Patriot air defence system.

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The system has a limited range of about 20 miles, meaning it is best suited to defend key infrastructure and population centres.