Facts regarding Norway and F-35
Article | Last updated: 06/12/2018 | Ministry of Defence
The F-35 remains crucial to the continued modernization of our Armed Forces and our ability to preserve Norwegian and allied security and interests. September 2018 Norway received 3 more aircraft from Fort Worth, Texas, adding up so the total number so far is 9 received aircraft to Norway and 7 to pilot training in Arizona. Norway will receive 6 more aircraft in 2019.
By 2019, Norway will receive another six F-35 combat aircraft, and work on initial operational operational capacity (IOC) will be continued by the end of 2019. In addition, the budget for the acquisition is strengthened to carry out property, construction and construction activities at the combat aircraft base in Ørland. The procurement of new combat aircraft with base solution will significantly strengthen defense capabilities.
Norway is NATO in the North. Norway’s continued and continual military presence is a stabilizing factor. We maintain security in this part of the world on behalf of NATO and the Trans-Atlantic security community. The introduction of the F-35 will strengthen our ability to operate on and monitor NATO’s Northern flank.
The F-35 is a 5th generation multi-role combat aircraft. It is a key procurement that ensures stronger and more relevant Norwegian Armed Forces in the future.
The F-35 is a lot more than simply an F-16 replacement. It adds a wide range of capabilities to our Armed Forces that we have never had before.
The F-35 is not just a new fighter. It is a completely new weapons system. The combination of the F-35, P-8s, new submarines and also huge investments in our land forces are necessary to operate in an increasingly unpredictable security landscape as well as in an allied context.
The F-35 provides the Norwegian Armed Forces with a significantly strengthened strategic capability, in terms of sensors, weapons and survivability. This helps ensure that Norway is able to present any future opponent with a credible threshold against military aggression or coercion.
Receiving the first three aircraft at Ørland Air Base in November 2017 was a major milestone for Norway, and marks the fact that we are several steps closer to operating what will be a significantly increased operational capability for the future.