The next four F-35 jets are scheduled to arrive in Norway in November 2024, according to a statement from the NDMA.
Major General Øivind Gunnerud, head of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, expressed anticipation for the completion of the fleet.
“We look forward to receiving the final upgraded F-35 aircraft next year. With a total of 52 aircraft, this marks a crucial milestone in the F-35 acquisition,” he stated.
Norway has so far taken delivery of 40 F-35 jets, with the first six arriving in 2017. Originally, all jets were expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.
However, deliveries were paused in the summer of 2023 due to delays related to a significant upgrade of the aircraft.
Colonel Tord Aslaksen, head of the Fighter Aircraft Division within the NDMA’s air capabilities sector, noted that the ongoing updates to the F-35 have introduced risks of delays.
Despite this, Norway has chosen to proceed with the upgrade process to ensure the jets are equipped with the latest enhancements.
One of the Norwegian F-35s currently being delivered will remain in the United States for several months.
This aircraft will be used in testing the Norwegian-developed Joint Strike Missile (JSM), according to the NDMA.
The remaining F-35 jets are expected to be fully operational and stationed at Ørland Air Station by the end of May 2025, NDMA said in a statement.