Full funding for the purchase was released when the agreement was signed. In addition to an undisclosed number of missiles, the contract also covers necessary support and diagnostic equipment.
According to the contracting notice, the full package is intended for U.S. Air Force storage facilities. The AGM-184 is expected to be carried mainly by Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole combat aircraft.
The weapon was designed to fit inside the F-35A’s internal weapons bays. It is currently the only missile of its class that meets that requirement, according to the article.
This helps explain why more F-35A users are placing orders for the missile. Current customers include Norway, the United States, Japan, Australia and Germany.
Belgium and Poland are among the countries that have expressed interest in acquiring the weapon. The missile is expected to be certified under the Block 4 configuration development programme.
The article said Kongsberg’s success is linked to Norway’s participation in the F-35 Lightning II development programme as a level-three partner. That participation supported the development of a missile compatible with the aircraft’s internal carriage requirements.
