The estimated $950m FMS has been approved by the US State Department and includes associated equipment and support.

As part of this deal, the Norwegian Government has requested up to 205 AIM-120 D-series AMRAAMs, 60 AIM-120C-8 or D-series AMRAAMs, and four AIM-120D AMRAAM guidance sections.

The proposed deal also includes AIM-120 control sections, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), and missile containers.

The US will also provide various equipment, including integration support and test, weapon system support, transportation, repair and return support and equipment, consumables, accessories and other related elements of logistical and programme support.

The principal contractor of this potential FMS is Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona.

In a statement, DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a Nato ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

The AMRAAMs sale will provide advanced air-to-air capabilities to the Norwegian fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft, allowing the country to meet existing and future threats.

According to the agency, this sale will also allow Norway to fulfil Nato missions and meet US European Command’s goal of combined air operations interoperability and standardisation between the US and Norwegian forces.