US Approves $405 Million Sale of AMRAAM-ER Missiles to Norway.

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Norway, involving AMRAAM-ER (Extended Range) air-to-air missiles and related equipment. The sale, valued at $405 million, was confirmed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on August 22, 2024, following the required certification to Congress. RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, will be the main contractor for this contract.
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U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Norwegian National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units, worked together to counter a simulated threat at sea (Picture source: US DoD)

Norway has requested 100 AMRAAM-ER missiles and four AIM-120C-8 guidance sections. These missiles will be integrated into Norway’s NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System), enhancing its defense capabilities against current and future threats. The AMRAAM-ER, specifically designed for ground-based operations, provides extended range and improved interception capabilities, making it a significant upgrade over Norway's current inventory of AIM-120B AMRAAM missiles.

The package also includes various support elements, such as containers, spare parts, consumables, and classified software, as well as training and logistics services. This sale is expected to bolster Norway's air defense while supporting U.S. security objectives in Europe. No offset agreements are associated with this sale, and it will not impact U.S. defense readiness.

The AMRAAM-ER is designed to intercept targets at longer distances and higher altitudes, thanks to an enhanced rocket motor and optimized flight control algorithms. This new variant, equipped with the AIM-120C-8 guidance section and improved components from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, has proven its effectiveness through successful flight tests, reinforcing its role in modern air defense systems.

The AMRAAM-ER missiles will be integrated into Norway's NASAMS, a medium-range air defense system developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. NASAMS has been operational since 1994 and is used by several countries, including the U.S., Spain, and Australia, to protect high-value assets and populated areas from a wide range of aerial threats.

In addition to upgrading its own defense capabilities, Norway has decided to provide two additional NASAMS units to Ukraine in cooperation with the United States. This delivery aims to strengthen Ukraine's air defense against Russian missile attacks. These units will supplement those already provided by the U.S. in 2022. Norway's Ministry of Defense has also indicated that these systems will come with training for Ukrainian operators to ensure their effective use.