Norway has achieved a significant milestone as the first F-35 partner nation to receive its full complement of aircraft. The final two F-35A fighter jets were delivered on Apr. 1st, bringing the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNAF) operational F-35 fleet to a total of 52 aircraft. This delivery is a major achievement for both Norway and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO).
Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair
It is important to note that this recent delivery marks the completion of Norway’s order. Norway first received its initial F-35 fighter jets in November, 2017. At that time, Norway was noted as the fourth country to receive these planes, following the United States, Israel, and Italy.
RNAF Col Egil Soerstroenen, the F-35 JPO Norway National Deputy, stated that “The F-35 is a powerful tool for strategic deterrence, enhancing alliance-based security and discouraging potential aggression”. He added that receiving all 52 aircraft “represents a huge milestone for Norway” and highlighted the “solid and successful partnership with government and industry in the F-35 program”. Col Soerstroenen also emphasized that “The F-35 is a fundamental capability for Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces,” noting its ability to “operate nearly autonomous in a contested environment”.
Tore O. Sandvik, Norwegian Minister of Defense, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “The F-35 is the world’s best fighter jet and I am very pleased that we will receive the last of the 52 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin that Norway has ordered”. He affirmed that the aircraft “ensure that we can safeguard Norwegian sovereignty and maintain even better control over our areas on land, at sea and in the air”.
Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, commented that “Norway’s F-35 fleet enhances interoperability across the Norwegian Armed Forces’ defense systems, improving situational awareness of the entire force and strengthening transatlantic security”. He also acknowledged Lockheed Martin’s “more than 50-year partnership with Norway”.
With its full fleet of F-35 aircraft, Norway will enhance its military capabilities to secure its sovereignty and protect its interests in the High North. The F-35 fleet will also play a critical role in supporting NATO missions.
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