The first of our four new C-130J transport aircraft

Ambassador, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

This is an important day the Norwegian Air force, an important day for the Norwegian Defense and an important day for Norway. We have been eagerly awaiting this day and the military capacity that we are about to christen and take for its maiden flight; the first of our four new C-130J transport aircraft.

They say that paratroopers know why birds sing. Today I have a feeling that we and our paratroopers will hear a new song in the air; the sound of our pilots and crew singing out loud while flying these beautiful new planes!

The procurement of the C-130J’s enables us to manage many of our own transport missions both nationally and internationally.

These aircraft are not only essential for our Air force – they are in fact essential for the whole operational specter of the Norwegian armed forces. Transport aircraft are of paramount importance in order to have the necessary flexibility and deployability, especially for our troops on the ground.

For instance will these new aircraft play an even more vital role in supporting the complex operations of our special forces than the old ones did. Furthermore, both the Navy and the Air Force itself will be able to enjoy the mobility and support provided by these very capable aircraft.

But perhaps the main task for these aircraft will be supporting UN and NATO peace-support operations abroad. It is my expectation that as soon as the transport aircraft are fully mission capable; they will be deployed to international operations. I am thinking in particular of the transport of our troops to Afghanistan.

This is what I see as the most important role of these planes; improving the security and reducing the risks for our soldiers.

We shall not forget, however that these new transport aircraft are not only a military capacity. They will also contribute to making the armed forces a visible and important contributor to civil society.

These aircraft will be used for humanitarian purposes on behalf of the Norwegian government – just as our old transport aircraft made important contributions after the earthquake in Bam in 2003, after the tsunami in South-East Asia in 2004 and after the fire in the Svea-mines on Svalbard in 2005.  Without our aircraft the aid would have been much less effective and more people would have sustained more serious injuries. This clearly shows that the Norwegian transport aircraft are an important resource not only for the men and women in uniform, but an important resource for all.

Many of you here know that military investments take time. Normally it takes a considerable period of time from political approval until the new equipment is in use by the armed forces.

It is in fact quite rare that a defense minister gives the go-ahead for a project of this magnitude and at the same time gets to be in position when the order is delivered!

My government’s decisive guidelines and quick political action paved the way for this speedy and efficient procurement. I would also wish to thank the parliamentary defense committee for their efforts and initiative. Many others have also contributed to making today’s delivery and this whole process possible. Therefore, I also wish to thank The Norwegian Defence Logistic Organization, the Royal Norwegian Air force, the US Air Force and the US Government for all their fine and hard work during the months since the government approved the transport aircraft procurement.

Last week’s decision to procure the Joint Strike Fighter as our new combat aircraft cements and furthers our industrial collaboration with Lockheed Martin. They know that we are a demanding customer, but our experiences with LM are already good and we look forward to a fruitful industrial partnership.

Our old transport aircraft were purchased in 1969 and have served us well for nearly 40 years. They have flown without significant incidents, and deserve the apt name ”work-horses” – or should I say ”work-gods” since they were all named after the famous Norse gods, such as Odin, Tor and Balder. Our new transport aircraft are also going to be named after gods, and I find it both timely and encouraging that they will be named after female gods!

The new aircraft that I am christening today will fly under the name “Frigg”. Frigg was known as the most prominent of Tor’s wives. The sagas tell us that she was very beautiful, and the most powerful of the goddesses. What better attributes can one wish for in a transport aircraft? I am convinced that she will serve her country in an outstanding way.

It is with honor and respect that I christen our first new C-130J transport aircraft “Frigg”.

I wish you and your crew a smooth and safe flight!