iscover
Norwegian multinational company Kongsberg has entered into a long-term agreement for the maintenance of F-35 fighter jet aircraft in Norway.
Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services signed the contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency for the maintenance and future upgrade requirements of the Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft in Norway, followed by an announcement on 28 March.
Under the contract, the company will conduct maintenance, upgrades, modifications, and enhancements of the aircraft with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Intermediate-level maintenance on Norwegian F-35s had been carried out previously in Cameri, Italy.
The agreement is expected to foster long-term close cooperation between the Norwegian Armed Forces and Kongsberg over a duration up to 15 years. A national maintenance facility will be established at Rygge, Norway, to cover approximately 5,000 square metres.
The company has previously established an engine depot for the maintenance and upgrade of F-135 engines for the aircraft. With both depots in operation, Kongsberg will employ more than 200 people at Rygge, Norway.
“The establishment of a new maintenance depot in Norway will help retain the expertise and capacity that has been built up over several decades to carry out maintenance and upgrades of Norwegian fighter aircraft in line with the Armed Forces’ needs and priorities,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, which owns 50.1 per cent of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services.
“The agreement also strengthens Kongsberg’s position as a provider of maintenance services within the defence sector, in line with Norway’s ambition to enhance national capabilities and preparedness. At the same time, we are helping to maintain a capacity that is expected to serve Norway for more than 40 years.”
In addition, the agreement is expected to improve the global sustainment solution and contribute to strengthened national expertise and increased operational availability of the Norwegian F-35 fleet.
“This is a milestone for Norway’s defence capability. With this facility, we gain increased flexibility and a more robust support structure for the Royal Norwegian Air Force while also strengthening national expertise and the defence industry,” said Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, Gro Jære.
Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services president André Jægtvik said having both the airframe and engine depots located at Rygge will provide a unique opportunity to secure a strong footprint within the global F-35 sustainment solution, realise job creation and contribute to local activity.
