The contract spans up to 15 years and results from close collaboration between Kongsberg and the Norwegian Armed Forces. It covers maintenance, modifications, and future upgrades of the F-35 at a newly established facility in Rygge.
“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.
The facility will complement the global F-35 sustainment system and is expected to increase operational availability of the aircraft fleet. It is also aimed at strengthening Norwegian defence industry capabilities over the long term.
“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,” Lie added.
Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, Gro Jære, highlighted the broader significance of the agreement. “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,” she said.
The new depot will cover approximately 5,000 square metres and add to Kongsberg’s existing F-135 engine maintenance facility at Rygge. Together, the two depots will support over 200 jobs locally.
Previously, intermediate-level maintenance on Norwegian F-35s was performed in Cameri, Italy. By establishing a domestic capacity, Norway aims to reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience, and ensure faster service turnaround.
“With both airframe and engine depots located at Rygge, KONGSBERG gains a unique opportunity to realise synergies and secures a strong footprint within the global F-35 sustainment solution. This contract also contributes to job creation and local activity,” said André Jægtvik, President of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services.
