The U.S. State Department approved the $170 million sale of 60 AIM-120 C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Norway, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
“The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capabilities for mutual defense, regional security, force modernization, and U.S. and NATO interoperability,” DSCA said in a press release on Wednesday. “This sale will enhance the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s ability to defend Norway against future threats and contribute to current and future NATO operations.”
The potential sale also includes guidance section spares, containers, weapon system support, support equipment, spare and repair parts, training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, and other services.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the release said.
This is a follow-on buy of AIM-120 C-7 missiles by Norway. A purchase of 36 missiles at an estimated cost of $80 million was approved by the DSCA in February 2014.
Raytheon Missile Systems will be the principal contractor for the deal, according to the release.
Earlier this month, Norway took delivery of three F-35 Lightning IIs and an F-35 Full Mission Simulator.
AIM-120 AMRAAM foreign sales
AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles have been procured by 37 countries. The missiles have been integrated onto various U.S.-made fighter jets including F-22, F/A-18, F-16, F-15, as well as the Eurofighter 2000 and Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen.
In October, the State Department approved the $53 million sale of 26 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAMs to the Netherlands, and the $113 million sale of 56 AIM 120C-7 AMRAAMs to Japan.
Earlier this month, department approved the $140 million sale of 32 AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles to Canada. The AIM-120D is an upgraded and improved version, with improvements in almost all areas, including a 50 percent greater range than the AIM-120C-7 as well as better guidance. It was scheduled to be fielded by the U.S. Navy from 2014, and to be carried by all Pacific carrier groups by 2020.