The United States has approved a potential $270 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of M795 155mm high-explosive artillery shells and related support to Norway, a move aimed at strengthening Oslo's artillery capabilities as NATO allies continue to replenish ammunition stockpiles amid heightened security concerns in Europe.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the State Department had authorized the proposed sale, which includes M795 155mm projectiles as well as technical assistance, engineering services, logistics support, documentation, and program management.

The approval has been forwarded to the U.S. Congress for notification under the Foreign Military Sales process. U.S. officials emphasized that the authorization represents a government approval rather than a finalized contract, with the exact number of shells and delivery schedule to be determined during subsequent negotiations.

According to the DSCA, the proposed sale is intended to enhance Norway's defense readiness and improve interoperability with NATO allies.

The M795 is the standard high-explosive round used by NATO's 155mm artillery systems and is compatible with a wide range of self-propelled and towed howitzers operated by alliance members.

Defense analysts say the acquisition will help Norway replenish its ammunition reserves while reinforcing NATO's northern flank, where the Nordic country plays an increasingly important role in regional security.

The approval comes at a time when demand for 155mm artillery ammunition remains exceptionally high.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, European governments have accelerated efforts to rebuild stockpiles after years of relatively low procurement, while continued military assistance to Ukraine has significantly increased demand for artillery rounds.

The United States has responded by expanding domestic production capacity. Since 2022, the U.S. Army has nearly quadrupled monthly production of M795 shells through investments in manufacturing facilities and expanded industrial capacity.

In September 2025, Washington awarded a $639 million contract to further increase production of the ammunition, while seeking more than $3 billion in congressional funding to support additional 155mm artillery procurement.

Despite these investments, industry analysts note that production remains under pressure as multiple allied nations seek to replenish inventories simultaneously.

Norway has emerged as one of Ukraine's major military supporters in Europe.

In addition to providing financial and military assistance, Oslo has partnered with Ukraine to establish joint production of long-range 155mm artillery ammunition and, together with Denmark, previously transferred 8,000 artillery shells from its military stockpiles to Kyiv.

Norway's overall assistance to Ukraine through the country's long-term support mechanisms has exceeded $1.2 billion, reflecting its growing role in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities while strengthening European security cooperation.

Military experts say the latest approval underscores the strategic importance of artillery ammunition in modern warfare and collective defense planning.

The M795 projectile has become one of the most sought-after munitions worldwide due to its widespread use by NATO-standard artillery systems.

The sale also reflects broader efforts by NATO members to modernize and expand ammunition reserves in response to changing security conditions across Europe.

Officials believe maintaining sufficient stockpiles is essential not only for national defense but also for ensuring the alliance's ability to respond rapidly to future contingencies.

Under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process, Congress now has the opportunity to review the proposed transaction before it proceeds to contract negotiations.

If finalized, the agreement would further strengthen defense cooperation between Washington and Oslo while contributing to NATO's ongoing efforts to enhance military readiness and sustain long-term artillery capabilities across the alliance. (ILKHA)