AMRAAM-ER Missile: The United States has given approval for a big weapons deal with Denmark. The US State Department has cleared a possible sale of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles Extended Range, also called AMRAAM-ER. The total value of this deal can go up to $951 million.
Under this plan, Denmark can buy 236 AMRAAM-ER missiles and five AIM-120-C8 guidance sections. The deal also includes missile training equipment, storage containers, spare parts, accessories, and full technical and logistics support. These missiles are made by RTX.
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According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the goal is to make sure Denmark has “modern, capable air-to-air munitions for its aircraft, and surface-to-air munitions for its ground-based air defenses.”
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These missiles will help Denmark protect its airspace better. They can be used by fighter jets as well as ground-based air defence systems. This will allow Denmark to work smoothly with the US and other NATO countries during joint missions.
This approval follows another big defence clearance earlier in December. At that time, the US approved a $3.73 billion package for Denmark. That deal included an Integrated Battle Command System with Indirect Fire Protection Capability and 200 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles.
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Denmark has increased its defence spending due to rising security worries, especially related to Russia. The country recently signed a 500-million-euro deal, worth about $579 million, with Kongsberg. This contract is for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, known as NASAMS. This system can use AMRAAM missiles in both normal and extended range versions.
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NASAMS can also fire AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for short-range defence. In November, the US had already approved another possible sale to Denmark. This deal covered up to 340 AIM-9X missiles. On top of this, Denmark has also bought more IRIS-T SLM fire units. These systems can stop threats like cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones.
