U.S. Approves $130M Sale of Precision Guidance Kits to Norway

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Norway involving M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits (PGK) and related equipment, with an estimated cost of $130 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of the potential sale.

Norway has requested 8,001 M1156A1 PGK multi-option fuzes, which will be added to a previous FMS case initially valued at $2.79 million. The original agreement included PGK cutaway models, fuze wrenches, portable inductive artillery fuze setters, GPS components, Platform Integration Kits, testing hardware, spare parts, training, technical data, logistics, and program support.

The M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits (PGK) Fuze is a high-tech device that helps artillery shells hit their targets more accurately. It's essentially a GPS for shells. The fuze is attached to the shell and programmed with the target's location before firing. When the shell is launched, the fuze uses GPS and sensors to guide it to the target, making adjustments to the shell's trajectory in mid-air to ensure a precise hit.

The newly proposed sale, valued at $130 million, will enhance Norway's artillery and mid-range fire capabilities. It also includes additional non-MDE (Major Defense Equipment) items such as training aids, transportation, technical assistance, and program support.

The principal contractor for the deal will be Northrop Grumman.