“This is a breakthrough we’ve been waiting for, and now the planes will continue to arrive,” said Colonel Tord Aslaksen, head of the Combat Aircraft Department at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). He confirmed that two more jets are scheduled for delivery in December, bringing this year’s total to six, with another six set for delivery in the spring of 2025.
By summer 2025, Norway will have received all 52 F-35 aircraft initially ordered, marking the completion of the programme just one year behind the original 2012 schedule. Despite delays due to the pandemic, supply chain issues, and the effects of the war in Ukraine, the project has maintained steady progress. “The work behind reaching this final phase is impressive and formidable,” Aslaksen added, highlighting the efforts required to bring the acquisition to its current stage.
The aircraft were flown from the United States by pilots from the Defence Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Upon arrival in Norway, the NDMA will conduct acceptance inspections before officially transferring the jets to the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF).
Colonel Ole Marius Tørrisplass, commander of the 132nd Air Wing, expressed satisfaction with the arrival of the aircraft on Norwegian soil. “Now that these aircraft are part of the Air Force, we have more jets in the air, increased training opportunities for our pilots, and a stronger Norwegian defence,” said Tørrisplass.
The F-35 programme, developed with international partners, has encountered some delays due to a major upgrade known as “Technical Refresh-3.” Despite this, the F-35 has proven to be a critical asset in potential conflicts against high-level adversaries. Norway’s F-35 fleet has been operational and combat-ready for five years, and for nearly three years, it has supported NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) on standby.
Looking ahead, Tørrisplass emphasised the importance of the F-35 in Norway’s future defence strategy. “We are well-positioned to provide the air force Norway needs in the years ahead. The F-35 has proven to be the right choice, a highly capable weapon system, and our collaboration with the manufacturer has been excellent,” he stated.
Source: Norwegian Defence Meteriel Agency.
