Norway declares IOC for F-35A
The Royal Norwegian Air Force’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35As has achieved initial operational capability (IOC), becoming the third European country to declare the milestone after Italy and the UK.
‘I would like to congratulate the Norwegian armed forces on declaring IOC with the F-35,’ Frank Bakke-Jensen, Norway’s defence minister, said.
‘This is a big day for the entire armed forces.’
Norway’s ministry of defence announced the milestone on 6 November following two years of intensive operational testing and evaluation (OT&E).
This two-year period saw the F-35A trialled in ‘special Norwegian conditions’, including winter operations, operations in the northern areas of the country, and joint operations with the Norwegian army, navy and special forces.
The OT&E period was concluded with the Norwegian armed forces transferring aircraft and equipment from its home base at Ørland Air Station to Rygge Air Station, which validated that the fifth-generation aircraft could be operated away from its main base.
Norway’s F35As will deploy to Iceland next year to conduct air policing efforts on behalf of NATO, and in 2022 the air force will have enough F-35s, pilots and maintainers to allow the aircraft to take over the ‘quick reaction alert’ mission, which is a 24/7 alert and scramble capability based at Evenes Air Station.
Norway plans to buy a total of 52 F-35As, according to the MoD.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
