Norway Orders MSP 500

Released on Wednesday, January 08, 2003

Rheinmetall has announced the decision of Norway to purchase 13 MSP 500 multi sensor platform systems o be delivered between February 2004 and 2005 for its Air Force, with an option for a further 6 systems.

MSP 500 electro-optical sensor is used to identify and track airborne targets and to assign targets to the related missiles. In combination with a radar system, the MSP 500 determines the altitude and range of an incoming target even at great distances. This system is also capable of recognize multiple targets which a radar only shows as a single target.

Sensor data is relayed to the fire control center through a fiber optical cable with a range of up to 1 kilometer.

When MSP 500 turns operational in Norway, it will be operated within NASAMS II framework.

NASAMS is a mobile air defense system designed to protect important facilities from close to medium range.

The NASAMS is the result of the Hawk air defense system program and is operated by Norwegian rapid reaction military forces.

NASAMS employs Raytheon's AMRAAM missile and to date only Spain has decided to purchase it as an offset for the F310-class frigates deal with Norway.

The Norwegian purchase of MSP 500 is worth around €13 million.