Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Alexandria, VA-based company, will construct a new support facility for F-35 Lightning II stealth combat aircraft in Norway.
Valued at 500 million Norwegian kroner ($46 million), the depot will provide airframe maintenance and associated solutions for all F-35 fighter jets under the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The facility is expected to start servicing the fleet after its completion in the second half of 2025.
Alongside maintenance, the site will offer modifications, upgrades, and related improvements for the F-35s throughout their lifetime.
Kongsberg’s Aviation Maintenance Services segment will lead the depot’s construction as well as future operations in the facility.
Meanwhile, the F-35 user maintenance will continue at the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s main base in Ørland, and heavy maintenance works at Cameri, Italy, in compliance with the multinational F-35 program.
“Establishing a maintenance depot in Norway helps to retain and develop expertise and capacity to carry out maintenance and upgrades of Norwegian fighter aircraft, in accordance with the needs and priorities of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace President Eirik Lie stated.
Expanding Support for Norway, Allies
Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services has been working with Pratt & Whitney to sustain and upgrade F-35 aircraft and corresponding F-135 engines at Rygge since 2020.
Following its launch, the Rygge site has also covered F-135 engine tests for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
“In addition to safeguarding know-how that has been built up over several decades, the agreement strengthens our position as a supplier of maintenance services in the defence sector, in line with our strategy,” Lie said.
“From the new depot, we will also be able to conduct maintenance services on other nations’ F-35s.”
