The US State Department has approved a $270-million foreign military sale of its homegrown M795 155mm high explosive projectiles to Norway.
The US State Department has approved a $270-million foreign military sale of its homegrown M795 155mm high explosive (HE) projectiles to Norway.
The potential deal incorporates technical services and documentation, logistics, and other elements supporting the acquisition.
Washington said that the proposed sale will be used to amplify the Norwegian Armed Forces’ artillery and mid-range firepower, and assured the NATO military will have no difficulty adopting the capability.
It added that the package will address current and future threats without altering the basic military balance in Europe.
According to officials, the procurement also supports America’s broader foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of an ally playing a key role in maintaining stability and economic progress across Europe.
Work for the contract will be facilitated by American Ordinance in Iowa and General Dynamics in Arizona.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Norway,” the department said.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
Made for Howitzers
The M795 is a 103-pound (47-pound) high-fragmentation steel weapon developed by the US Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center for use across towed and self-propelled howitzers.
Following its introduction in the 1980s, the projectile received modifications to address modern threats for ground forces.
Its latest iteration, the M795 HE, uses a 24-pound (11-kilogram) TNT or IMX-101 warhead to effectively neutralize enemy personnel, heavy vehicles, electronic surveillance, targeting and communications infrastructure, supply zones, and installations.
The M795 measures 34 inches (86 centimeters) long and has a range of more than 20 kilometers (12 miles).
