The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway for AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $345 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 12.

The Government of Norway has requested a possible sale of up to 200 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles, 2 AIM-9X Special Air Training Missiles (NATMs), 40 CATM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 10 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Guidance Units, and 20 AIM-9X Block II CATM Guidance Units, containers, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor logistics and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $345 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, and important force for political stability throughout the world.

Norway requires these capabilities for mutual defense, regional security, force modernization, and U.S. and NATO interoperability. This sale will enhance the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s ability to defend Norway against future threats and contribute to current and future NATO operations. Although this is a new capability, Norway will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Government of Norway.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DSCA press release