Washington has cleared a proposed $270 million military sale to Norway covering American-made M795 155mm high-explosive (HE) projectiles.
The potential Foreign Military Sale includes technical assistance, documentation, logistics, and other support required to enable the Norwegian Armed Forces to acquire and field the artillery ammunition.
The US State Department said the procurement would enhance Norway’s artillery capabilities and mid-range firepower. It also assessed that the Norwegian military, as a NATO member, would be able to incorporate the capability without major integration challenges.
The proposed package is intended to help Norway respond to current and future security threats while not affecting the overall military balance in Europe.
From a broader strategic perspective, US officials said the deal aligns with Washington’s foreign-policy and national-security priorities by strengthening the capabilities of a NATO ally that contributes to security, stability, and economic development across Europe.
Work associated with the contract will be carried out with support from American Ordinance in Iowa and General Dynamics in Arizona.
M795 for 155mm Howitzers
The M795 is a 103-pound (47-kilogram) high-fragmentation steel projectile developed by the US Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center for use with both towed and self-propelled 155mm howitzers.
The ammunition entered service in the 1980s and has subsequently been modified to meet changing operational requirements and address emerging threats on the battlefield.
The current M795 HE version is equipped with a 24-pound (11-kilogram) TNT or IMX-101 warhead. It is designed to engage targets ranging from enemy troops and heavy vehicles to electronic surveillance, targeting, and communications infrastructure, as well as supply areas and military installations.
Measuring around 34 inches (86 centimeters) in length, the M795 has a stated range of more than 20 kilometers (12 miles).
