KONGSBERG enters into a long-term agreement for maintenance of F-35 in Norway

Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services 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.

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.

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.