Norway Achieves Milestone as First F-35 Partner Nation to Fulfill Program Requirements

Fort Worth, Texas – April 1, 2025 – Lockheed Martin has announced that Norway has completed the delivery of the final two F-35A fighter jets, marking a historic moment as the first F-35 partner nation to fulfill its entire program of record. The completion of this delivery brings Norway's total F-35 fleet to 52 aircraft.

Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik expressed his satisfaction with the delivery, highlighting the significance of the F-35 for the country's defense capabilities. “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," Sandvik stated. He emphasized that these advanced aircraft are crucial for safeguarding Norwegian sovereignty and maintaining better oversight of the nation’s land, sea, and air territories.

The F-35's capabilities will enhance Norway’s sovereign defense responsibilities and foster closer cooperation with key allies across Europe, particularly within the Nordic region. The aircraft are expected to play a vital role in the protection of Norway's northern areas and in supporting NATO missions.

Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, remarked on the importance of the F-35 fleet. "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," McIntosh noted. He added, “We are honored to build upon our more than 50-year partnership with Norway, ensuring that the Royal Norwegian Air Force remains equipped to address emerging threats to protect security for Norway and its allies for decades to come.”

As a centerpiece of the forces for 20 allied nations, the F-35 is designed to enable peace through strength in the modern era. The fleet, which has recorded over a million flight hours, consists of more than 1,150 aircraft worldwide, with operations spanning 48 bases globally and 10 nations utilizing F-35s on their home soil.

As global adversaries continue to advance their military technologies, the F-35’s superior connectivity and collaboration with other military assets across diverse domains such as land, sea, air, space, and cyber are vital to securing airspace both now and in the future.

Lockheed Martin is a leading global defense technology company committed to fostering innovation and advancing scientific research across various sectors. Their mission solutions and vision for 21st Century Security® aim to accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies, ensuring that client nations remain prepared for evolving threats.

For more information about Lockheed Martin and its capabilities, visit LockheedMartin.com.

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