Seven more RNoAF F-35As are currently at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where Norwegian pilots are in training. The Norwegian government has plans to purchase up to 52 F-35As. From 2018, Norway will receive six aircraft annually up until, and including, 2024.





"Receiving the first three aircraft is a major milestone for Norway. On November 10th, Norway will celebrate First Aircraft Arrival of the first three F-35s on Norwegian soil. Achieving this milestone is a major step towards increased operational capability for the future," said Major General Morten Klever, Program Director for the F-35 program in Norway's Ministry of Defence.



"This is an historic event. The arrival of the first F-35 in Norway at this time shows that we have reached the timeline set for the acquisition. The program delivers on all key criteria: time, cost and performance. Today we are both proud and happy. The Royal Norwegian Air Force is looking forward to starting their training with the F-35,"added Klever.



The first Norwegian F-35A was rolled out in Fort Worth, Texas, on 22 September 2015. Norway participates in the F-35 program as a Level 3 partner in the system development and demonstration phase, with a view to enabling its industry to compete for industrial opportunities. The Norwegian Air Force and the local defense contractor Kongsberg decided to develop the Joint Strike Missile for the F-35 and other aircraft.