The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Denmark for Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles Extended Range (AMRAAM ER) and associated support, valued at up to $951 million, according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The notification signals Copenhagen’s strategic push to modernize its air defense capabilities amid an evolving European security environment.
The proposed package includes 236 AMRAAM ER missiles and five AIM-120C 8 guidance sections, alongside a comprehensive support suite encompassing load trainers, missile containers, maintenance equipment, spares, consumables, repair-and-return support, weapons software, and both classified technical documentation and software support. The DSCA noted that the $951 million figure represents an upper estimate, with the final contract value to depend on Denmark’s definitive requirements, budget allocations, and the outcome of formal negotiations. RTX Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is identified as the prime contractor, and DSCA stated that no offset arrangement has yet been proposed. The agency further emphasized that the sale would not require additional U.S. personnel in Denmark nor negatively impact U.S. defense readiness.
The AMRAAM ER, as described by RTX, is a ground-launched missile capable of intercepting high-altitude targets at extended ranges. Its enhanced performance is achieved through a larger rocket motor and optimized flight control algorithms. The inclusion of AIM-120C 8 guidance sections aligns with the broader AMRAAM family, which the U.S. military defines as an all-weather, beyond-visual-range, radar-guided missile suitable for “launch-and-leave” operations and surface-launch scenarios. For Denmark, using the same missile lineage for both fighter aircraft and ground-based air defense simplifies training, sustainment, and software support while reducing logistical complexity.
RTX has disclosed that the AMRAAM ER integrates the guidance section of the AIM-120C 8 with a more powerful 10-inch rocket motor supplied by Nammo, and a 10-inch control actuator system from Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. This reflects a growing trend in modern air defense missiles, where U.S. guidance technology is paired with allied propulsion and control systems. The sale also dovetails with Denmark’s broader move toward modern medium-range ground-based air defense. Kongsberg has confirmed Denmark’s acquisition of NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), which is capable of employing multiple missile types, including AMRAAM ER for extended-range coverage alongside shorter-range interceptors.
Reuters and other sources have reported that Denmark is undertaking a significant air defense modernization in response to the shifting threat environment in Europe. The AMRAAM ER’s extended range enables earlier engagement of hostile aircraft and missiles, providing greater re-engagement flexibility and enhanced survivability for radar, launchers, and command posts. DSCA emphasizes that the sale would enhance Denmark’s ability to meet both current and future threats while reinforcing interoperability with NATO and U.S. forces. Importantly, the agency noted that the transfer would not alter the regional military balance.
The financial scale of the sale highlights the comprehensive nature of the package. With 236 missiles and a total program value of $951 million, the rough per-missile cost—including training, software, spares, and support services—averages around $4 million, though actual costs will vary depending on final support requirements and quantities contracted. Strategically, this acquisition supports Denmark’s transition to a layered air defense posture that integrates fighter munitions and ground-based interceptors into a cohesive coalition-operable network. Such a configuration is increasingly relevant given the rise of high-intensity air and missile threats in Europe and the North Atlantic.
Beyond the missiles themselves, the proposed sale underscores Denmark’s commitment to sustained readiness rather than short-term or emergency purchases. By procuring both air-to-air and surface-to-air systems within a single package, Copenhagen is emphasizing operational resilience, stockpile management, and long-term NATO compatibility. The combination of aircraft-launched and ground-launched munitions built around a common missile family reduces operational friction and enhances Denmark’s ability to deploy layered defenses quickly and efficiently.
The DSCA notification, dated 22 December 2025, highlights that Denmark’s AMRAAM ER package is not simply about acquiring hardware but about embedding capability at scale. With integrated training systems, software, and sustainment infrastructure, the package ensures that Denmark can operationalize the missiles across multiple platforms while remaining interoperable with allied forces. The final contract terms—including scope, delivery schedules, and costs—will depend on negotiations between Copenhagen and Washington, as well as available budgetary authority.
The potential sale reflects a broader trend among NATO allies to modernize medium-range air defenses while aligning capabilities with U.S. systems to ensure seamless coalition operations. For Denmark, which faces increasing pressure from regional threats and the need to protect critical airspace, the AMRAAM ER acquisition represents a significant step toward a more resilient, interoperable, and layered national and allied air defense architecture.
