Norway has finalized its purchase of 52 F-35A fighter jets, Lockheed Martin announced. The milestone comes as a new F-35 maintenance center opens in Rygge, boosting Norway’s independent service capacity. Lockheed Martin reassured partners about the absence of a remote “kill-switch,” citing the secure U.S.-controlled F-35 ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Cameri depot in Italy remains pivotal for European F-35 logistics. The developments strengthen NATO’s air capabilities and defense autonomy in the region. Original news
Category: Norway
Norway Becomes First Partner to Complete F-35A Fleet Acquisition
Norway has received its final two Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, becoming the first F-35 partner nation to complete its program of record. The delivery marks the full modernization of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s fleet, replacing its retired F-16s and boosting national defense capabilities. To support long-term operations, Norway is establishing a new F-35 maintenance facility at Rygge air base. The site will be run by Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services and is expected to support the fleet for up to 15 years. The development highlights Norway’s commitment to strengthening its airpower and defense infrastructure. Original news
Norway Faces Growing Calls to Let Wealth Fund Invest in Defense Firms
Norway’s $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund is under political pressure to lift its ban on investing in defense companies, including those like Lockheed Martin. Opposition parties argue the restriction is “illogical” given today’s heightened global security threats. Tina Bru of the Conservative Party emphasized the urgent need to support Western defense industries amid rising geopolitical tensions. The fund, the largest in the world, currently excludes firms involved in cluster munitions and controversial weapons. Norges Bank Investment Management, which oversees the fund, declined to comment on any potential revisions to its ethical guidelines. Original news
Kongsberg to Open Missile Factory in Australia
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (KDA) will establish its first Naval Strike Missile (NSM) production facility outside Norway at Newcastle Airport in Australia. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, the factory will produce both NSMs and Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs). The missiles are intended for use by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and international partners. This move supports Australia’s goal of strengthening sovereign defense manufacturing capabilities. It also reinforces Kongsberg’s global supply chain and strategic ties with Indo-Pacific allies. Original news
U.S. Invests $188 Million in Norway’s Rygge Airbase for F-35 Expansion
The U.S. is investing $188 million to upgrade Norway’s Rygge airbase, enhancing storage and operational capacity for F-35 fighter jets under the 2021 Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement. Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Flåm emphasized the long-standing defense partnership, stating, “Norway and the U.S. have enjoyed close defense cooperation for more than 75 years.” The upgrades include constructing four fighter hangars and expanding ammunition storage to support NATO operations. Despite concerns about potential U.S. restrictions on F-35 deployment, Flåm reassured that U.S.-Norwegian defense ties remain strong. The investment underscores Norway’s strategic role in NATO’s northern defense posture. Original news
Isar Aerospace Secures Norwegian Space Agency Contract for 2028 Launch
Isar Aerospace has won a launch contract from the Norwegian Space Agency to send two Arctic Ocean Surveillance (AOS) satellites into orbit in 2028. The Spectrum rocket will carry the AOS-Demo satellite (built by Eidel) and AOS-Precursor satellite (built by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace) from Andøya Spaceport to a sun-synchronous orbit. Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, director general of the Norwegian Space Agency, highlighted that this marks the first time Norwegian-built satellites will be launched from a Norwegian site under a government contract. The announcement comes as Isar prepares for its first Spectrum launch, awaiting final approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. […]
Denmark Selects Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile for Frigate Upgrade
The Royal Danish Navy has selected Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to equip its three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, replacing the previously donated Boeing Harpoon missiles. The $193.3 million (NOK2.1 billion) contract, awarded to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, was announced on March 6. The deal includes training, logistical support, and maintenance services, ensuring a smooth transition to the new missile system. Missile deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025 and continue through 2030. The acquisition strengthens Denmark’s naval strike capabilities amid rising security concerns in the Baltic region. Original news
Denmark to Replace Harpoon Missiles With Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles
Denmark has announced the purchase of Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to replace the U.S.-made Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missile on its Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. The deal marks the first in a series of rapid acquisitions aimed at rebuilding Denmark’s defense capabilities. The NSM system, known for its stealth and advanced targeting, will enhance Denmark’s naval strike power. The move reflects Denmark’s broader efforts to modernize its military amid rising security concerns. The acquisition strengthens Denmark’s ties with Norway’s Kongsberg and aligns with NATO’s push for regional defense improvements. Original news
Denmark Selects Norway’s Nammo to Restart Domestic Ammunition Production
Denmark has chosen Norwegian defense company Nammo to restart ammunition production at a closed plant in northern Denmark, the Danish Ministry of Defence announced on Friday. The decision follows security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and intelligence assessments emphasizing the need for domestic ammo production. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stressed that the move is crucial for Denmark’s and the Nordic region’s security. Denmark had acquired the Elling plant in October 2023 to explore domestic production options, after the site had ceased operations in 2020. The initiative strengthens Denmark’s defense capabilities and regional military readiness. Original news
Norway Receives Three More F-35 Jets, Total Now at 49
Norway has received three new F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin, bringing its total fleet to 49 jets, with three more expected by summer. The aircraft arrived on February 27 and are now stationed at Ørland Air Station. Col. Tord Aslaksen praised Lockheed Martin’s delivery efficiency, highlighting the complexity of fifth-generation fighter production. A report by the Center for Policy and Analysis raises concerns over Europe’s reliance on the F-35, warning that airpower cannot fully replace ground-based firepower. The deliveries strengthen Norway’s defense posture amid growing regional security challenges. Original news
Ukraine Seeks European Air Defense Support Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Aid
Following a contentious U.S. press conference, Ukraine is urgently seeking replacements for American-made air defense systems, particularly Patriot batteries. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram stressed that air defense remains Ukraine’s most critical need, as the country turns to European allies for support. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged $2 billion for short-range Martlet missiles, while Norway plans to co-produce surface-to-air missiles with Ukraine. However, Ukraine still faces a pressing need for long-range systems, with SAMP/T missiles emerging as a possible alternative. The shift highlights Ukraine’s growing reliance on European partners to sustain its air defense capabilities. Original news
Ukrainian F-16s Engage Russian Forces with Advanced Weaponry
Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16 fighters are now actively engaging Russian forces along the 800-mile front line, armed with air-to-air missiles, precision glide bombs, and radar jammers. The jets, supplied by Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, offer superior capabilities compared to Ukraine’s Soviet-era aircraft, including the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod. A U.S. Air Force official highlighted the ECM pod’s strategic impact, stating it can create “a pocket of air superiority” to achieve mission-critical objectives. Despite these enhancements, Ukraine remains dependent on U.S. programming support for the ECM systems. The F-16s mark a significant step in modernizing Ukraine’s air force […]
Kongsberg’s Hugin Superior Passes U.S. Navy Testing for Autonomous Underwater Operations
Kongsberg Discovery’s Hugin Superior autonomous underwater vehicle has successfully completed acceptance testing for the Defense Innovation Unit and the U.S. Navy. The final tests took place in Norway in early 2025, following a 24-month contract awarded to Kongsberg for Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. Richard Patterson, Kongsberg’s vice president of sales, highlighted the company’s enthusiasm for expanding collaboration with the U.S. Navy. The Hugin Superior, operational since 2019, specializes in subsea warfare and infrastructure inspection, offering over 70 hours of endurance per charge. The successful trials reinforce Kongsberg’s role in advancing autonomous maritime defense technology. Original news
Ukraine Secures Over $10 Billion in Aid on Third Anniversary of Russian Invasion
On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine received over $10 billion in aid from European, Nordic, Spanish, and Canadian sources. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a €1 billion military aid package as part of a 10-year agreement with Ukraine. The European Union will provide €3.5 billion in March, while Canada pledged $5 billion from Russia’s frozen assets along with 25 LAVIII infantry vehicles, artillery shells, and F-16 flight simulators. Meanwhile, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its military and energy sectors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the G7 to take […]
Norway Weighs Lifting Sovereign Wealth Fund Ban on Defense Investments
Norway’s central bank chief, Ida Wolden Bache, suggested on February 13 that the country’s $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund reconsider its ban on investing in arms manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin. She argued that the fund’s ethical guidelines, established in 2004, may need to adapt to a shifting geopolitical landscape marked by military rearmament. The proposal has sparked debate, with Norway’s opposition Conservative Party supporting a review of restrictions on defense investments. Any changes would require careful evaluation to balance security interests with maintaining public trust in the fund. The discussion reflects broader shifts in Europe’s approach to military funding amid […]