The U.S. State Department has approved two significant Foreign Military Sales to Romania and Norway, aimed at enhancing the air defence capabilities of these key NATO allies.
The deals, announced on 22 August 2024, involve the sale of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, with a combined estimated value of nearly $1 billion.
Romania is set to acquire up to 186 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles and related equipment, in a deal valued at approximately $592 million. This package includes AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), missile containers, propulsion sections, and other support equipment.
The proposed sale aims to bolster Romania’s ability to conduct self-defence and regional security missions, further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO members.
According to the State Department, “The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping Romania to conduct self-defense and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO members.” The principal contractor for this sale will be RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona.
Norway, another NATO ally, will purchase 100 AMRAAM-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) missiles, along with associated equipment, in a deal estimated at $405 million. This sale includes AMRAAM containers, support equipment, and classified software.
The AMRAAM-ER missiles will be integrated into Norway’s Advanced Surface to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), replacing older AIM-120B models and significantly enhancing Norway’s ground-based air defence capabilities.
The State Department mentioned the strategic importance of this sale, noting, “The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats by supplementing and replacing Air Intercept Missile 120B (AIM-120B) AMRAAMs with the more capable AMRAAM-ER.” Like the Romanian deal, this sale will also be managed by RTX Corporation.
Both sales are part of broader efforts by the United States to support its NATO allies in maintaining robust defence postures amid evolving security challenges in Europe. The U.S. government has confirmed that these sales will not require additional American personnel in Romania or Norway and will not adversely impact U.S. defense readiness.
