On 15 and 17 September, the US Department of State announced the approval of two Norwegian requests concerning the potential purchase of American-made aerial armaments for aircraft and helicopters. The first request, approved on 15 September, covers 816 Boeing GBU-39/B SDB guided bombs, with spare parts and necessary accessories, at an estimated cost of $113 million.
These bombs would be carried by the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole combat aircraft operated by the Norwegian Air Force.
The second package, approved on 17 September, includes 50 RTX Mk 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes, with spare parts, diagnostic equipment and logistic and training support services, valued at up to $162 million.
The torpedoes may be deployed on Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or on Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk multirole helicopters. In the latter case, Norway is awaiting the start of deliveries of six contracted units.