The approved €405 million sale of AMRAAM-ER missiles to Norway will modernise its air defence capabilities and support US security objectives.
The United States has approved a €405 million military sale to Norway, including 100 AMRAAM-ER missiles to upgrade its NASAMS air defence system. The deal, led by RTX Corporation, strengthens Norway’s capabilities in the face of modern threats. The AMRAAM-ER missiles, with their extended ranges and improved interception capabilities, represent a major advance over previous models. In parallel, Norway plans to supply two additional NASAMS units to Ukraine in response to Russian threats, with dedicated training for Ukrainian operators.
AMRAAM-ER missiles sold to Norway
On 22 August 2024, the US State Department gave the green light for a foreign military sale to Norway, worth €405 million. The sale includes 100 AMRAAM-ER air-to-air missiles, AIM-120C-8 guidance sections, as well as various support equipment, spare parts, software and logistics services. The aim of this transaction is to modernise and strengthen Norway’s air defence capabilities by integrating these missiles into its NASAMS system.
This sale follows the certification required by the US Congress, and underlines the commitment of the United States to support the defence capabilities of its European allies. The main contractor for this sale will be the American company RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona. The nature of this sale, with no offsets, indicates a direct and targeted cooperation focused on strengthening Norway’s national defence capabilities.
Technical characteristics of the AMRAAM-ER missiles
AMRAAM-ER (Extended Range) missiles represent a significant evolution in anti-aircraft missile systems. Designed specifically for ground-based operations, these missiles offer an extended range and improved interception capability thanks to an optimised rocket motor and advanced flight control algorithms. The maximum range of the AMRAAM-ER is estimated at around 50 kilometres, with an interception altitude of up to 15,000 metres, which represents a substantial improvement on the AIM-120B missiles currently in service in the Norwegian arsenal.
The integration of the AIM-120C-8 guidance section, coupled with improved components developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, gives AMRAAM-ER increased accuracy and responsiveness, which are crucial in the face of rapidly evolving air threats. These technological improvements make it possible to better adapt to the challenges posed by drones, cruise missiles and other modern air threats. In addition, the ability to operate effectively at greater altitudes and distances than previous versions provides enhanced tactical flexibility for the Norwegian armed forces.
Integration of AMRAAM-ER into Norway’s NASAMS system
NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) is a medium-range air defence system developed jointly by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Operational since 1994, this system has been adopted by several nations, including the United States, Spain and Australia, to protect strategic areas and high-value assets against a variety of air threats.
The integration of AMRAAM-ER missiles into NASAMS will enable Norway to significantly increase the performance of this system. NASAMS equipped with AMRAAM-ER will be able to engage targets at greater ranges and altitudes, increasing coverage and rapid response capability against emerging threats. This upgrade is essential to maintain the effectiveness of the NASAMS system in an increasingly complex strategic environment, where the ability to rapidly neutralise multiple and varied targets has become essential.
Strategic implications for Norway and Europe
Norway’s acquisition of AMRAAM-ER missiles has major strategic implications, both for Norwegian national defence and for collective security in Europe. By strengthening its air defence system, Norway is improving its ability to defend its territory against a wide range of threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles, drones and opposing fighter aircraft. This modernisation also comes against a backdrop of heightened tension in Europe, particularly in the Nordic region, where geographical proximity to Russia poses a major security challenge.
The sale also supports US security objectives in Europe, by strengthening the ability of European allies to deal with common threats. By integrating advanced American technologies into its arsenal, Norway is ensuring greater interoperability with NATO forces, facilitating a coordinated response in the event of conflict. This synergy is essential in the current context, where European security depends largely on the ability of member nations to act together in the face of complex threats.
Implications for Ukraine and international cooperation
In addition to its own defence, Norway has decided to supply two additional NASAMS units to Ukraine, in cooperation with the United States. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russian missile attacks. These additional systems are in addition to those already supplied by the United States in 2022, and their delivery is accompanied by training for Ukrainian operators, ensuring optimum use in the field.
This initiative reflects growing international cooperation to support Ukraine, not only through material assistance, but also through the transfer of essential technical skills. By providing these systems, Norway and the United States are helping to balance the forces in the conflict, while sending a strong signal about the commitment of Western nations to support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The sale of AMRAAM-ER missiles to Norway, approved by the United States, represents a major step in strengthening the air defence capabilities of this Nordic country. With an extended range and improved interception capabilities, these missiles will modernise Norway’s NASAMS system, increasing its resilience against current and future threats. At the same time, Norway’s commitment to support Ukraine with additional NASAMS systems underlines the growing importance of international security cooperation. This strengthening of Norwegian defence and support for Ukraine are key elements of the European security strategy in the face of current challenges.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.