The U.S. State Department formally cleared a massive $3.73 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) package to Denmark, significantly boosting the country’s air defense capabilities and strengthening interoperability with NATO forces. This major US-Denmark FMS deal comprises two separate sales, delivering advanced air-to-air missiles for fighter jets and a comprehensive ground-based air defense system.
Boosting Air-to-Air Power
The first component of the package authorizes the sale of up to 200 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and associated equipment, valued at an estimated $730 million. These sophisticated missiles are designated to enhance the air-to-air capabilities of the Royal Danish Air Force’s current and future fighter fleet.
The prime contractor for this missile segment is RTX Corporation. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed that Denmark can readily integrate these missiles, citing the move as support for a key NATO Ally that contributes to political stability and economic progress in Europe. The sale also includes spare parts, support equipment, weapons software, and technical documentation.
Implementing Integrated Ground Defense
The second, and larger, portion of the approval is the $3.0 billion sale of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) with Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC). This acquisition marks a critical step in modernizing Denmark’s medium- and long-range ground-based air defense.
The IBCS system is a networked approach that allows warfighters to combine and manage current and future sensor and effector systems seamlessly. The package includes key components such as:
- 24 All-Up Round Magazines
- 8 IFPC Increment 2 launchers
- 2 Sentinel A4 radars
- Multiple IBCS components, including Engagement Operations Centers and Integrated Collaborative Environments.
The implementation of the IBCS system will require U.S. Government and contractor personnel to travel to Denmark for system delivery, training, and long-term logistics support, which may extend up to seven years.
This comprehensive US-Denmark FMS deal solidifies the U.S. commitment to its allies and equips Denmark with cutting-edge defensive technologies to effectively meet current and future aerial threats, enhancing the collective defense readiness of the region.
