"The proposed sale will improve Norway's capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its airborne combat and special operations capabilities," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

"Norway will use these aircraft to defend other NATO members and its allies. Norway will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," it added.

The State Department approved the possible sale and the DSCA on Friday provided the required notification to the US Congress, which still needs to sign off on the transaction.