US Approves $85 Million Sale of Precision-Guided Kits to Denmark for Enhanced Artillery Accuracy

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 5,832 Northrop Grumman M1156 Precision Guidance Kits (PGKs) to Denmark in a deal valued at approximately $85 million. The package includes a range of logistical and program support services such as compatibility testing, firing tables, technical assistance, and equipment training, aimed at improving Denmark’s military precision capabilities.

The M1156 PGK transforms conventional unguided 155mm artillery rounds into GPS-guided munitions, boosting accuracy by more than five times. This technology is critical in modern warfare, where precision is key to neutralizing threats while minimizing collateral damage. The sale is intended to enhance Denmark's ability to address current and emerging security challenges, allowing its brigades to increase their first-strike accuracy in various operational environments.

Northrop Grumman, the principal contractor for the sale, has developed the PGK to offer reliability even in contested environments. To counter adversaries' GPS jamming tactics, Northrop Grumman partnered with CAES in 2023 to incorporate advanced M-Code GPS antennae into the PGKs. This upgrade allows the kit to operate effectively even in GPS-degraded or denied conditions.

The latest version of the kit, known as the PGK-Extended Range (PGK-ER), extends its usability to more advanced artillery systems, including future 58-caliber cannons currently under development by the U.S. Army. The PGK-ER offers enhanced performance, making it adaptable for both current and next-generation artillery platforms.

This sale underscores Denmark’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities. As regional and global security dynamics evolve, precision-guided systems like the M1156 PGK are becoming increasingly vital for NATO allies, ensuring their forces can respond swiftly and accurately to emerging threats.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that the sale will significantly enhance Denmark's operational effectiveness, contributing to the collective security of NATO while maintaining regional stability. Contract negotiations will determine any offsets linked to the deal, shaping the final terms of the agreement.