In the 1980s, Norway began developing a new anti-aircraft missile system to replace its outdated Improved Hawk systems. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a Norwegian company, collaborated with Raytheon Missiles & Defense, an American company, on the project.

They chose the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile with active radar homing as the main weapon. For its ground application, they created a towed launcher for six containers. The upgraded AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar provided target detection and guidance. Live-fire tests of the system were conducted in June 1993. The first production version of NASAMS 1 reached initial operational capability in late 1994 – early 1995 and began delivery to the Norwegian Air Force. Full deployment was completed by 1998. The system was subsequently upgraded to NASAMS 2 and received improved control systems and support for the Link 16 data exchange channel.

The first NASAMS 3 systems entered service with the U.S. in 2019. This version features updated controls and a redesigned Mk. 2 launcher that can fire AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AMRAAM-ER missiles.

The Norwegian NASAMS 3 (TEL) was introduced in Update 2.53 "Line of Contact", as a part of the U.S. ground research tree. The NASAMS system consists of three components: The Target Acquisition and Designation Sight (TADS) and two Transporter Erector Launchers (TEL) with missiles. The launchers do not require additional research and can be used in combat via the TADS. The vehicles are equipped with either AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM or AMRAAM-ER missiles, which have increased range and thrust vectoring. For close-range targets, the vehicles are equipped with AIM-9X Block II missiles with infrared homing. These highly maneuverable missiles can track and engage targets at considerable distances. However, the vehicle has weak protection against shrapnel, is large, cannot fight ground vehicles, and cannot be used if TADS is destroyed.