Twelve missiles against drones on a tracked vehicle the Netherlands is already buying: Kongsberg’s new White Spike concept could also become interesting for Dutch air defence. The company wants to put the launcher on the ACSV, the platform used for the NOMADS system ordered by the Dutch defence ministry.
The manufacturer is exploring several layouts, Hartpunkt reports, citing Kongsberg. The concept drawings show two groups of six launch cells. This is a development project, not a Dutch version already delivered.
More missiles on the same platform
The existing NOMADS air-defence system combines radar, control equipment and missiles on one tracked vehicle. Its current configuration has four Sidewinder missiles ready to fire. The White Spike layout would add a different armament option.
That is interesting when a unit faces many incoming drones. More launch cells mean a vehicle carries more shots before it needs reloading. Kongsberg is studying both a radar and launcher together on one vehicle and arrangements spread across separate vehicles.
A missile aimed at this kind of threat
White Spike comes from Zone 5 Technologies, which Kongsberg acquired. According to Kongsberg, the interceptor is intended for targets flying below the speed of sound, with a particular focus on drones. The company is also working to connect it to the NASAMS control system.
The promise centres on affordability and larger-scale production. This announcement gives no public price from which to calculate savings for the Netherlands.
Why it matters to the Netherlands
The Dutch defence ministry is already building several layers of air defence. Skyranger guns are intended for nearby threats. NOMADS provides mobile short-range air defence, while NASAMS reaches farther.
The Dutch NOMADS will already have its own radar, fire control and Sidewinder missiles on the ACSV. White Spike would therefore mainly offer an additional missile option on a platform the Netherlands is already buying. Whether the defence ministry will choose it is not yet known.
Image: Kongsberg concept drawings of possible configurations.
