Partners on the F-35

Marillyn Hewson visited Norway in connection with the delivery of the first F-35 aircrafts to Norway. KONGSBERG has manufactured parts for the F-35 since 2010.

The deliveries consists of aircraft parts in composite materials and titanium as well as parts of the fuselage and rudder. KONGSBERG has proved itself as a reliable supplier to Lockheed Martin, always delivering parts with zero defects.  

Today KONGSBERG manufactures parts for approximately 100 F-35 fighter aircrafts per year. Reaching full range production within two years, the numbers will increase to 150 per year.

“We have a very strong partnership with KONGSBERG. KONGSBERG is a strategic partner to Lockheed Martin and has been for many, many years. We are very proud of the work that they are doing on the F-35 program today”, says Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson of Lockheed Martin Cooperation.

GROWTH IN KONGSBERG
KONGSBERG is one of Europe’s most advanced manufacturers, producing complex structures in high-alloy metals and composites. State-of-the-art production facilities and a high degree of automatization, makes KONGSBERG able to compete both on quality and prize.

During her visit Ms Marillyn Hewson had the honor of opening KONGSBERG`s new coating facility, where parts in composites are being coated before shipment.

“It is very impressive. I am just excited to be here with real opportunity for me to have a chance to speak to some of the employees, to see the facility, the automation, and the investment in technology. Today to participate in the ribbon cutting of this brand new facility shows that KONGSBERG has a very bright future continuing to grow. We are proud to be partnering with KONGSBERG on their growth”, Marillyn Hewson said.  

INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITETS
After only a few hundred of the more than 3000 aircraft that are planned for users worldwide, Norwegian industry has already secured contracts worth almost NOK three billion, something that is expected to grow as the annual production numbers increase.

Beyond these contracts, there is also a significant potential for subsequent deliveries of weapons and ammunition as the aircraft enter widespread operational service. 

- The F-35 in one of the most complex and technological projects in the world. When Norwegian industry are able to compete they are also demonstrate that they are among the top defense industries in the world in their field, says State Secretary Øystein Bø in the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.

WELCOMING CEREMONY
The three first F-35 aircraft arrived in Norway last week. Among many prominent guests were Norway’s King Harald, Norwegian Prime Minister Mrs Erna Solberg and Secretary General of NATO, Mr Jens Stoltenberg.

The F-35s will provide a substantial capability for securing Norway and Norwegian territories in the High North. Norway is NATO’s northern border, and the F-35s will therefore be important for the Alliance.

“This is an important day for Ørland, for Norway and for NATO. Ørland Air Station will be the center in the modernized Norwegian Air Force, and Norway will have the most modern fighters,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

JOINT STRIKE MISSILE
Secretary General of NATO, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, also mentioned the Joint Strike Missile, currently being integrated into the F-35.

“Gradually the F-35 will be equipped with the Joint Strike Missile developed in Norway. This is among the examples of Norwegian industrial development and competence in Norway, giving NATO a strengthened defense industry”, said Mr Jens Stoltenberg.

“The testing of the Joint Strike Missile are now going into its initial phase, before starting integration on the F-35. We are expecting increased attractiveness and interests for JSM as we are entering the integration phase. For KONGSBERG and Norwegian defense industry in general, we have an optimistic view on the future regarding further value creation on the F-35 program, says Erik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.