US approves air-launched weapons for European NATO allies

The US has approved air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions for both Belgium and Norway, likely for the carriage aboard the F-35A (pictured). (Royal Norwegian Air Force)

The US government has approved the sale of air-launched weapons to two European NATO allies for a combined USD680.8 million.

Announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 15 September, the approvals cover 320 RTX AIM-9X Block II and 258 Block II+ air-to-air missiles for Belgium for an estimated USD567.8 million, and 816 Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment I (SDB I) glide munitions for Norway for an estimated USD113 million.

“The proposed sale will improve Belgium's capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air missiles and guidance units for Belgium's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the DSCA said of the Belgian approval.

“The proposed sale will improve Norway's capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the United States and other NATO members,” the DSCA said of the Norwegian approval.

While neither notification specified the launch platform for the approved weapons, both will be for the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

For more information on US approvals of European air-launched weapon buys, please see US approves latest Sidewinder missiles for NATO .