Norway to buy new anti-aircraft missiles for $363M in largest-ever single purchase of weapons

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) - Norway has entered into an agreement with the US authorities to buy new anti-aircraft missiles for over NOK 4 billion ($363 million) in the largest single acquisition of weapons that the Nordic country has ever made, local media reported.

“This is a significant acquisition that contributes to Norway's security. With more and newer missiles, the Norwegian Armed Forces will have a better ability to protect Norway against air attacks,” Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram was quoted as saying by national broadcaster NRK.

According to the broadcaster, Norway agreed to buy an Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM), primarily intended for the ground-based air defense system. The missiles, however, will also be able to be included in the arsenal of the F-35A fighter jets.

The Norwegian Armed Forces already have an agreement with Norway’s premier supplier of defense and aerospace-related systems, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, to purchase a new National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), said the broadcaster.