The missiles are primarily intended for Norway's ground-based air defense system, but can also be included in the weapons inventory of F-35A fighter aircraft, the agency said.

The procurement was among the largest single procurements of weapons ever made for the Norwegian Armed Forces, according to the agency.

Norway, which is a member of NATO and shares a border with Russia, has vowed to ramp up defense spending following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. ($1 = 11.0220 Norwegian crowns)