Norway allocated $500 million to buy AMRAAM-D missiles for fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters

Norway's fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters will receive advanced medium-range AMRAAM-D air-to-air missiles.

Here's What We Know

The AIM-120D3 (AMRAAM-D) is an upgraded version of the missiles previously used by both Norway's fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and the NASAMS air defense system. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense has awarded a $50 million contract to purchase the improved missiles.

The F-35 Lightning II is equipped with sensors that can detect many more types of threats at greater distances. The new missiles have received significant improvements and can be most effective against cruise missiles, drones and combat aircraft. This was announced by Gro Jære, head of defense procurement.

AMRAAM-D will be the main weapon of the F-35 Lightning II to protect the Norwegian airspace for several decades. And now we are talking about the largest single purchase of weapons in Norwegian history. The delivery of the missiles will be completed by 2028.

Source: Raytheon

Image: Defense Brief