Norway gains approval for $1.9 billion purchase of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs
The missiles will be used for the country’s NASAMS but could also be carried by Norwegian Air Force F-35A fighter aircraft. (Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces)
The purchase would replace the Norwegian Air Force’s AIM-120B Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) with the latest version of the AIM-120C for use with NASAMS, as well as possible for the country’s fleet of F-35As.
The US State Department has approved the potential sale to Norway of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs under the Foreign Military Sales programme along with related equipment for an estimated cost of US$1.9 billion.
The deal will be for the purchase of 300 AIM-120C-8s and 20 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, as well as AMRAAM containers and support equipment, spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support. The approval also included weapons software, support equipment, classified software delivery and support, and transportation support.
Under the procurement Norway will replace its AIM-120B AMRAAMs with the latest version of the AIM-120C. The newly acquired missiles will be used for ground-based air defence in the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) but may be subject to dual use with the F-35A.
Shephard Defence Insight noted that Norway purchased 52 F-35As through an FMS programme for $11.2 billion in 2008, with scheduled deliveries between 2015 and 2024, based on the delivery of six aircraft per year. The initial procurement contract was for the purchase of 40 aircraft with the possibility of another 12.
NASAMS and similar systems have been high on the shopping list for several countries, with Norway itself ordering more systems and Australia firing AIM-120s from its NASAMS, while systems have also been deployed to Ukraine.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army’s Archer hits bullseye for capability and procurement]()
British Army’s Archer hits bullseye for capability and procurement
The Archer artillery system was rushed into service and training of British Army trainers began in October 2023 before live fire trials just over a year later.
-
![British Army programme cuts could continue in 2025]()
British Army programme cuts could continue in 2025
The six-month old Labour leadership in the UK has already made cuts and army programmes could be on the chopping block in 2025. Where might the axe fall?
-
![NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet]()
NZ begins modernisation of its tactical vehicle fleet
VAMTAC vehicles are expected to replace one-quarter of New Zealand’s Pinzgauers and Unimogs.
-
![Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024]()
Israel’s Elbit Systems riding high and reports almost a billion dollars in orders to close 2024
Elbit Systems has signed another US$967 million in orders in the past three months after reporting its land revenues increased by 24% for 3Q2024 compared to 3Q 2023 thanks to increasing ammunition and munition sales in Israel.
-
![BAE Systems receives $656 million contract for more Bradley vehicles]()
BAE Systems receives $656 million contract for more Bradley vehicles
BAE Systems has been contracted to install modifications on older versions of the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) creating the M2A4 and M7A4 and keeping the platform in service until 2050.
-
![Italy signs $784 million deal for tactical and logistic trucks]()
Italy signs $784 million deal for tactical and logistic trucks
The contract is for the supply of a variety of military logistic platforms equipped with tactical cabins and based on the new range of IDV SMR6 trucks (Standard Military Range), which includes 4×4, 8×8 and 10x10 variants.
