Norway completes F-35 fleet and receives first Joint Strike Missile

This week, Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces marked two major milestones: the delivery of the final two F-35 fighter aircraft and the arrival of the first Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Both the F-35 and the JSM are crucial for strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities.

  • Text:Ivar Simensen / KONGSBERG

    Photo:Magnus Bjørnnnes / KONGSBERG

Strong collaboration between industry, government, the armed forces, and across the defence sector has been key to the success of the F-35 programme.

 

"When Norway selected the F-35 in 2008, KONGSBERG worked closely with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris to ensure strong industrial cooperation. Establishing our facility at Arsenalet in Kongsberg to manufacture composite materials for the aircraft hull has been a major success story, growing from 33,000 to nearly 100,000 square metres, and demonstrating the long-term value of industrial partnerships," says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

"It makes me proud to know that we have contributed to more than 1,400 F-35 aircraft. This achievement would not have been possible without the close cooperation with our partners and suppliers, both in Norway and internationally."

With the full fleet of 52 aircraft now delivered, the focus shifts to sustaining operational readiness through maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Through Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services, maintenance is already being performed on the F-135 engines, and later this year, a new facility for F-35 airframe maintenance will open.

The Joint Strike Missile is the ideal companion to the F-35, building on the legacy of the Naval Strike Missile. Selected by Japan, Australia, the United States and Norway, the JSM demonstrates how close cooperation across the Norwegian defence sector enables the development of world-leading capabilities.

"The JSM is a highly advanced missile that has received significant international recognition. It is the only missile in its class that can be carried internally in the F-35's weapons bay, preserving the aircraft's operational range and low signature. The JSM helps to realise more of the enormous potential built into the F-35 platform," says Lie.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is proud to contribute to Norway’s operational capabilities through the F-35 programme and the Joint Strike Missile, enhancing national security and strengthening the ability to meet future challenges.

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