- US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) worth an estimated $2.3bn to Norway for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and a wide array of associated equipment and services.
- The package includes 46 T700-GE-701D engines, more than 100 communications radios, navigation equipment, and M240H machine guns, alongside other weapons.
- The sale would supply a range of mission kits such as fast rope extraction systems, rescue hoists, medical evacuation provisions, and winterisation components tailored to Norway’s operational requirements.
- Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division would serve as the principal contractor for the procurement.
- The implementation of the sale is expected to involve approximately 15 US Government and 15 contractor personnel travelling to Norway for extended periods, providing equipment handover, fielding, system checks, and a comprehensive training and support package.
- In July last year, the US State Department authorised a potential $2.6bn FMS of related equipment to Norway.
- The deal aims to improve Norway’s ability to address both current and future threats and strengthen interoperability with US and allied forces in the region.
- US officials stated that the proposed transfer would support American foreign policy and national security objectives by reinforcing the capability of a Nato partner considered 'a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.'
- The State Department noted that the transaction would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse effect on US defence readiness.
The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) valued at $2.3 billion for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Norway, which includes a comprehensive package of equipment and services.12
The sale encompasses 46 T700-GE-701D engines, over 100 communications radios, navigation equipment, and M240H machine guns, along with various survivability systems such as 25 Common Infrared Countermeasures and 25 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems.
Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky division will act as the principal contractor, with implementation involving approximately 15 US Government and 15 contractor personnel traveling to Norway for training and support.45
US officials emphasized that the proposed transfer would bolster Norway's military capabilities, supporting American foreign policy and national security objectives by reinforcing a NATO partner viewed as a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.8
The deal is designed to enhance Norway's ability to tackle both current and future threats while ensuring interoperability with US and allied forces. The State Department confirmed that the transaction would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would not adversely affect US defense readiness.7
However, the deal's conclusion remains uncertain as it is still subject to further negotiations, with no offset agreements currently in place.
“The deal includes 46 T700-GE-701D engines, M240H machine guns, and 25 Common Infrared Countermeasures, with about 30 US personnel expected to deploy to Norway for training and support. It follows a $2.6bn FMS authorisation last July, though the sale may not conclude.”
Army Technology
