Norway to Update Air Defense with Purchase of AIM-120C-8 Missiles from US.

On June 11, 2024, the U.S. State Department approved a potential foreign military sale to Norway, involving advanced AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment, valued at an estimated $1.94 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has officially notified Congress of this potential sale.
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The newly acquired missiles are intended for use in the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for ground-based air defense, and potentially in a dual role with the F-35A aircraft. (Picture source: Raytheon)

The Norwegian government has requested 300 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and 20 guidance sections for these missiles. The sale also includes AMRAAM containers, support equipment, spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair and return support, weapons software, classified software delivery, transportation, classified publications, technical documentation, training, studies, and surveys, along with U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, among other program support elements.

The AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM is designed for all-weather, beyond-visual-range aerial combat and is compatible with various U.S. Air Force and Navy aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F-22, and F/A-18. It features a sophisticated guidance system combining active radar terminal guidance with inertial mid-course navigation, enabling pilots to engage multiple targets simultaneously and perform evasive maneuvers. Introduced in 1991, this missile variant is a continuation of the AIM-7 Sparrow series but offers significant enhancements in speed, size, and target engagement capabilities.

This proposed sale aims to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a NATO ally, contributing to political stability and economic progress in Europe. It will enhance Norway's capability to meet current and future threats by updating its missile arsenal from AIM-120B to the latest AIM-120C variants. Norway, already equipped with AMRAAMs and F-35A aircraft, will integrate these new systems into its armed forces without difficulty. The newly acquired missiles are intended for use in the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for ground-based air defense, and potentially in a dual role with the F-35A aircraft.

The NASAMS, a medium-range air defense system developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Raytheon, was first introduced into the Norwegian Armed Forces in the mid-1990s. Utilizing the AIM-120 AMRAAM, it can engage and destroy various threats up to 25 kilometers away. Known for its mobility and quick deployment, NASAMS integrates well with other NATO air defense systems.

Norway has been modernizing its air force with the acquisition of F-35 Lightning II aircraft, having received its first F-35A in 2015 and officially entering service in November 2017. Norway intends to procure a total of 52 F-35As to replace its aging F-16 fleet. The F-35A features advanced stealth capabilities, agility, and superior situational awareness, equipped with modern weaponry and sensors for effective air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Norwegian Air Force.