The US State Department has cleared a possible $45-million foreign military sale of AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment to Denmark.
Copenhagen’s request covers up to 100 Hellfire missiles, three AGM-114R captive air test missiles, six Hellfire (Longbow) M299 Hellfire launchers, two MHU-191/M missile transport and handling trailers, and three BRU-14 aircraft bomb ejector racks.
The sale package includes containers, training aids, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, software, and related logistics and program elements.
As the Hellfire is operated by several countries, including Norway, Sweden, and the UK, as well as several Middle Eastern and East Asian allied forces, the sale is intended to enhance Denmark’s military capabilities, ensure interoperability with the US and allies, and enable Copenhagen to contribute to joint missions.
Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor, and no offsets have been proposed yet, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Moreover, the development follows Washington’s previous clearance of a foreign military sale of the P-8A patrol aircraft to Denmark amid tensions over Greenland.
AGM-114R Hellfire
Originally designed to arm AH-64 Apache helicopters, the short-range, laser-guided tactical Hellfire missiles were adapted to be launched from air, sea, and ground platforms, as well as unmanned systems.
Each missile is approximately 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) long and weighs about 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
US forces have used Hellfire missiles in armed conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Yemen to strike armored vehicles and military infrastructure, including radar systems, communications equipment, and bunkers.
