The governments of Denmark and Norway received the green light from the United States Department of State to purchase AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) air-to-air missiles. Developed to shoot down aircraft, the AIM-120 can be used from fighters or anti-aircraft defense systems.
According to Security and Defense Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Denmark received authorization to purchase 84 AIM-120C-8 missiles. Norway, in turn, had carte blanche to purchase up to 300 units of the same model. In both agreements, purchases also include Guidance Sections for the missiles, logistical , technical documentation, software and other items.
Combined, the deals total around US$2,1 billion. “This proposed sale will the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally.”, states the DSCA, also pointing out that the sale of the missiles “it will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Specifically for Oslo, the Agency states that the new missiles will replace older versions of the AMRAAMs used by the Royal Norwegian Armed Forces. “The newly acquired missiles will be used for ground-based air defense in the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), but may be subject to dual use with the F-35A. "
The AMRAAM is an active radar-guided air-to-air missile manufactured by Raytheon, developed by the US in the 1980s to replace the semi-active radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow. The model, which has received several updates, is the main weapon of its type in use in the world, with more than 4.900 test shots and at least 13 victories in real combat.
