Norway signed an agreement with the US to acquire AMRAAM missiles for 4 billion kroner ($367 million) to enhance its aerial defense capabilities.
It is “one the largest single procurements of weapons made for the Norwegian Armed Forces,” the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency reported.
Produced by RTX, the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is capable of combating aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones.
The purchase facilitates the replacement of older AIM-120B missiles with the latest C version.
Meant for NASAMS, F-35A
The missiles are primarily intended for the country’s ground-based Norwegian Defense Air Defense System (NASAMS) but can also be integrated into the F-35A’s arsenal.
The country’s Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said that with these new missiles, “the Norwegian Armed Forces will be better able to protect Norway against air attacks.”
As part of a broader plan to strengthen its air defenses, Norway signed an agreement last year with RTX and local defense manufacturer Kongsberg to jointly upgrade the NASAMS.
Boosting Defense
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising regional tensions, Norway, which shares a border with Russia, has committed to strengthening its defense capabilities.
The AMRAAM acquisition aligns with its Long-Term Defense Plan, which includes a 12-year budget of 600 billion kroner ($60 billion) from 2024 to 2036 to acquire new systems and expand personnel.
This commitment allows Oslo to meet NATO guidelines by spending 2 percent of its GDP on defense and bolstering its cooperation with allies to enhance regional security.