The first F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter for the Norway was rolled out from the Lockheed Martin F-35 production facility in Fort Wo...
Norwegian Minister of Defence Ms. Ine Eriksen Søreide, participated in the formal roll-out of AM-1.
AM-1 and Norway’s second jet, known as AM-2, are scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Norwegian Air Force later this year, and will be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where they will be used for Norwegian and partner country pilot training.
Norway is planning to acquire up to 52 F-35As in the years leading up to 2025, to replace its current F-16 fleet acquired in early 1980s.
The aircraft delivered in 2015 and 2016 will be used to train Norwegian and partner pilots at Luke AFB. The first aircraft to arrive in Norway will be delivered in 2017, and will then begin preparations for Norway's initial operating capability with the F-35 in 2019.
The Norwegian acquisition of the F-35 is progressing on schedule, with ten aircraft in various stages of production.
Norway's Kongsberg is also in the final phase of development for the JSM missile for F-35. Norway has signed a deal with Australia to finance development of a new seeker for JSM on Sept 15.
Work on the F-35 program has provided Norwegian industry with more than $450 million in contracts to date, along with opportunities for additional work over the life of the program.
