Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (‘KONGSBERG’) has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency for the maintenance and future upgrade requirements of the Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft in Norway. The agreement has a long-term perspective and is the result of close cooperation between the Norwegian Armed Forces and KONGSBERG.
At the new facility, KONGSBERG will, in close cooperation with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, carry out maintenance, upgrades, modifications, and enhancements of the aircraft. Through this agreement, KONGSBERG will supplement the global sustainment solution and contribute to strengthened national expertise and increased operational availability of the Norwegian F-35 fleet. The agreement has a duration of up to 15 years.
"The establishment of a new maintenance depot in Norway will help retain the expertise and capacity that has been built up over several decades to carry out maintenance and upgrades of Norwegian fighter aircraft in line with the Armed Forces’ needs and priorities," said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, which owns 50.1 per cent of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services.
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Download free sample pages More information"The agreement also strengthens KONGSBERG’s position as a provider of maintenance services within the defence sector, in line with Norway’s ambition to enhance national capabilities and preparedness. At the same time, we are helping to maintain a capacity that is expected to serve Norway for more than 40 years," said Lie.
Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, Gro Jære, emphasises the significance of the agreement:
"This is a milestone for Norway’s defence capability. With this facility, we gain increased flexibility and a more robust support structure for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, while also strengthening national expertise and the defence industry," says Jære.
KONGSBERG has previously established an engine depot for the maintenance and upgrade of F-135 engines for the aircraft. The new facility will cover approximately 5,000 square metres. With both depots in operation, KONGSBERG will employ more than 200 people at Rygge, Norway.
Until now, intermediate level maintenance on Norwegian F-35s has been carried out in Cameri, Italy. With the establishment of a national maintenance facility at Rygge, Norway gains an independent capacity to perform this work locally, strengthening supply chains and increasing operational availability for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
"With both airframe and engine depots located at Rygge, KONGSBERG gains a unique opportunity to realise synergies and secures a strong footprint within the global F-35 sustainment solution. This contract also contributes to job creation and local activity," said André Jægtvik, President of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services.
