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The First F-35 Partner Nation to Fulfill its Program of Record
Lockheed Martin completed the delivery of the 51st and 52nd F-35As to the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), making Norway the first F-35 partner nation to fulfill its program of record.
The early morning ferry flights marked a significant milestone in Norway’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities and interoperability, enabling it to operate alongside other F-35 partner nations and allies around the world.
Her Excellency Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s Ambassador to the United States, attended the ferry flights to witness the historic event.
“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,” said Tore O. Sandvik, Norwegian Minister of Defence, in a Lockheed Martin news release. “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.”
The advanced capabilities and increased interoperability of the F-35 enhances Norway’s sovereign defense and cooperation with key allies across Europe, including its closest neighbors in the Nordic region. The F-35 fleet will play a critical role in protecting the High North and supporting NATO missions.
Lockheed Martin – RNoAF partnership
“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,” said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin. “We are honored to build upon our more than 50-year partnership with Norway, ensuring the Royal Norwegian Air Force remains ahead of emerging threats to protect security for Norway and its allies for decades to come.”
For more than 50 years, Lockheed Martin has been proud to partner with the RNoAF. The RNoAF has operated six Lockheed Martin aircraft types throughout its history, including four in operation today: the P-3 Orion, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the C-130J Super Hercules, and the F-35 Lightning II.
Norway continues to play a leading role in regional defense and security initiatives, leveraging the F-35’s advanced capabilities to enhance coalition operations and deter threats.
Cornerstone of the battlespace
As the cornerstone of the battlespace for 20 allied nations, the F-35 enables peace through strength in the 21st century. With over a million flight hours and a global fleet of more than 1,150 aircraft and growing, the F-35 provides unrivaled capabilities, strengthening deterrence for allies around the world. F-35s operate from 48 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil.
As adversaries rapidly advance technology, the F-35’s unmatched connectivity and ability to work in partnership with assets operating across land, sea, air, space and cyber is essential to securing the skies today and into the future.
Photo credit: Lockheed Martin / Royal Norwegian Air Force
