USA approves sale of AMRAAM-ER missiles worth $405 million to Norway

The US State Department has approved a potential military sale to Norway that includes AMRAAM-ER extended range (AR) 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, after receiving the necessary approval from Congress. RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, will be the prime contractor for this contract.
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Units of the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Norwegian National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) worked together to counter a simulated threat at sea (Image source: US Department of Defense)

Norway has requested 100 AMRAAM-ER missiles and four AIM-120C-8 guidance systems. These missiles will be integrated into Norway’s NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System), improving the country’s defense capability against current and future threats. Specifically designed for ground-based operations, the AMRAAM-ER offers increased range and improved interception capabilities, representing a significant improvement over Norway’s current inventory of AIM-120B AMRAAM missiles.

The package also includes various support elements such as containers, spare parts, consumables and confidential software, as well as training and logistics services. This sale is intended to strengthen Norwegian air defense while supporting U.S. security objectives in Europe. There are no offsetting arrangements associated with this sale and it will not impact U.S. defense readiness.

The AMRAAM-ER is designed to intercept targets at greater distances and altitudes thanks to an improved rocket engine and optimized flight control algorithms. Equipped with the AIM-120C-8 guidance system and improved components from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, this new variant has proven its effectiveness in successful flight tests and strengthened 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 in service since 1994 and is used by several countries, including the United States, Spain and Australia, to protect valuable assets and populated areas from a variety of air threats.

In addition to improving its own defense capabilities, Norway has decided to deliver two more NASAMS units to Ukraine in cooperation with the United States. This delivery is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense against Russian missile attacks. These units will complement the units already delivered by the US in 2022. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense has also announced that these systems will be accompanied by training of Ukrainian operators to ensure their effective use.