Norwegian Sidewinder purchase approved by US State Department

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Norway of AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles and related equipment, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 2 May 2025.

The proposed FMS, which is worth an estimated USD 370.9 million (EUR 328.3 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

Norway has requested to buy 300 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; two AIM-9X Block II special air training missiles; 24 AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles (CATMs); 20 AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; and 20 AIM 9X Block II CATM guidance units.

Also included in the package are non-Major Defense Equipment items such as dummy air training missiles; missile containers; software; training; support equipment; spare and repair parts; technical documentation; transportation; and various aspects of engineering, technical, logistical and programme support.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) already has the AIM-9X Sidewinder in its inventory. While the missile used to arm an RNoAF fleet of F-16 fighters, it now arms the RNoAF’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighters. On 1 April 2025 Norway became the first F-35 partner nation to fulfil its programme of record for the aircraft with the delivery of the 51st and 52nd F-35As to the RNoAF.

“The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring aviation forces’ interoperability with the United States and other NATO members,” the DSCA stated of the AIM-9X purchase.

The principal contractor for the FMS will be RTX Corporation out of its facilities in Tucson, Arizona.