– Receiving the first F-35 Lightning II is a major milestone for Norway

Historical archive

Published under: Solberg's Government

Publisher: Ministry of Defence

Press release | No: 95/2017 | Date: 04/11/2017

On November 3rd, three Norwegian F-35 aircraft flew from Fort Worth, Texas and landed at Ørland Air Base, Norway.

November 3rd the three aircrafts landed at Ørland. — November 3rd the three aircraft landed at Ørland. Credit: Torbjørn Kjosvold, Norwegian Armed Forces

− Receiving the first three aircraft is a major milestone for Norway. On November 10^th, Norway will celebrate First Aircraft Arrival of the first three F-35s on Norwegian soil. Achieving this milestone is a major step towards increased operational capability for the future, says Major General Morten Klever, Program Director for the F-35 program in Norway's Ministry of Defence.

The new aircraft are escorted by Norwegian F-16s when entering Norwegian air space. Credit: Helge Hopen, Norwegian Armed Forces

− This is an historic event. The arrival of the first F-35 in Norway at this time shows that we have reached the timeline set for the acquisition. The program delivers on all key criteria: time, cost and performance. Today we are both proud and happy. The Royal Norwegian Air Force is looking forward to starting their training with the F-35, says Major General Klever.

3 F-35s entering Norwegian air space. Credit: Helge Hopen, Norwegian Armed Forces

The three aircraft, the first to be delivered to Norway, took off from Fort Worth, Texas at 06.35 AM Norwegian time November 3rd and landed at 03.57 PM the same day at Ørland Air Base.

From 2018, Norway will receive six aircraft annually up until, and including, 2024.

The aircraft landed in sunset when arriving Norway. Credit: Helge Hopen, Norwegian Armed Forces