In the Government’s view, the most important thing is to focus on the operational requirements for the new generation of combat aircraft. On the basis of a comprehensive assessment to date, the Government considers that the Joint Strike Fighter is the alternative that looks most likely to be able to satisfy our future operational requirements in a cost-effective manner. It is also important that we should improve our ability to work jointly with other allied nations and to take part in international operations. Norway has developed a close co-operation with allies such as Denmark and the Netherlands and the governments of these two NATO countries have also decided to take part in the JSF development programme. Participation in the development of the next generation combat aircraft will provide a sound foundation for close co-operation with likeminded allies throughout the lifetime of the aircraft. So far, moreover, the JSF is also the alternative that looks most likely to offer the best opportunity to carry forward into the future the highly successful co-operation enjoyed hitherto with the F-16.

This decision signals the Government’s intention to contribute up to NOK 1016 million over a 10 year period from 2002 to 2012. Participation in the JSF programme should provide Norwegian industry with excellent opportunities to play a part in the development work. The Ministry of Defence has good reason to expect that Lockheed Martin, the JSF prime contractor, and its subcontractors will make arrangements for Norwegian industry to play an integral part in the programme. Participation in a programme of this magnitude represents a unique opportunity for Norwegian industry to establish its position in the global integrated supply chain which will be needed to support JSF throughout the life of the entire system, probably 30-50 years. The agreement concluded with the United States authorities contains clauses which give Norway special rights to terminate the agreement if Norwegian industry is not afforded satisfactory opportunities to participate. If it proves impossible to arrive at arrangements for industrial collaboration with a satisfactory content, the Government will assess how far Norwegian participation in the programme should continue.

No final decision as to the choice of aircraft to replace the F-16 will be taken before about 2008. The Government is therefore making the preparations necessary to allow the further development of the alternative candidates to be followed closely and to provide for a continuing dialogue with the Eurofighter project as well as with the French government and French industry regarding Rafale.

Against this background the Ministry of Defence will, when the matter has been duly laid before the Storting, sign the agreement with the United States authorities setting out the provisions governing Norwegian participation in the development of JSF.

For more information please contact Martin Lohne, Press Spokesman, telephone +47 23092310