The United States has approved a possible $270 million Foreign Military Sale to Norway covering additional 155mm M795 high-explosive artillery projectiles and associated support, according to the US Department of State.
The State Department notification, issued on 5 August under Transmittal 26-82, covers further M795 ammunition to be added to an existing Foreign Military Sales case alongside technical assistance, documentation and engineering, logistics and programme support.
The original case was valued at $99.99 million and remained below the threshold requiring congressional notification. The latest approval brings the estimated value of the combined package to $270 million.
The notification does not specify the number of additional projectiles requested by Norway. The package is classified entirely as non-Major Defense Equipment and includes the ammunition itself together with the services required to support the programme.
The M795 is a conventional 155mm high-explosive artillery projectile used with NATO-standard 155mm artillery systems. It is designed as a general-purpose high-explosive round and forms part of the wider family of ammunition used by US and allied artillery forces.
Norway has been expanding and modernising its land-based fires capability in recent years, including through its operation of the South Korean-built K9 Vidar 155mm self-propelled howitzer. The NATO member has also placed greater emphasis on ammunition stocks and artillery capacity as European countries seek to replenish inventories and increase readiness.
The State Department said the proposed sale would improve Norway’s ability to meet current and future threats while increasing interoperability with American and other allied forces.
In the notification, the department stated: “The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the U.S. and other allied forces.”
It added: “This proposed sale will enhance Norway’s artillery and mid-range fire capability. Norway will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The proposed transaction forms part of the US Foreign Military Sales process, through which approved defence equipment and services are supplied to foreign governments under government-to-government arrangements. Congressional notification is required when proposed sales exceed specified thresholds, depending on the equipment involved and the status of the purchasing country.
American Ordinance in Middletown, Iowa, and General Dynamics in Camden, Arkansas, have been identified by the State Department as the principal contractors for the proposed package.
