The US State Department has approved a potential $270 million Foreign Military Sale to Norway for US-made M795 155mm high-explosive (HE) artillery projectiles.
The proposed package includes technical services and documentation, logistics support, and other elements required to facilitate Norway’s acquisition of the ammunition.
According to Washington, the sale is intended to strengthen the Norwegian Armed Forces’ artillery and mid-range strike capabilities while ensuring that the NATO ally can integrate the new capability without significant difficulties.
The US government stated that the proposed acquisition would help Norway address both existing and emerging security threats while maintaining the existing military balance in Europe.
US officials also said the procurement supports broader American foreign-policy and national-security objectives by strengthening the defense of a NATO ally that plays an important role in promoting stability and economic development across Europe.
Contract-related work will be supported by American Ordinance in Iowa and General Dynamics in Arizona.
Designed for Howitzers
The M795 is a 103-pound (47-kilogram) high-fragmentation steel artillery projectile developed by the US Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center for deployment with both towed and self-propelled howitzers.
Introduced during the 1980s, the projectile has undergone modifications over time to address evolving battlefield requirements and threats faced by ground forces.
The latest M795 HE configuration employs a 24-pound (11-kilogram) TNT or IMX-101 explosive payload designed to engage a broad range of targets, including enemy personnel, armored and heavy vehicles, electronic surveillance systems, targeting and communications infrastructure, supply areas, and military installations.
The projectile is approximately 34 inches (86 centimeters) long and has an effective range exceeding 20 kilometers (12 miles).
