IRIA News

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The Royal Norwegian Air Force has taken another step toward completing its state-of-the-art F-35 fighter fleet, with three more F-35A Lightning II aircraft arriving in Norway.

According to Norway’s Ministry of Defense, the latest delivery brings the country’s total to 49 jets, with the final three expected to arrive by spring.

The ongoing procurement of 52 F-35A jets marks a significant modernization of Norway’s air defense capabilities, replacing the aging F-16 fleet that has served the country since the 1980s.

Norway’s investment in defense

Norway started replacing its F-16 fleet with the F-35A in 2008, aligning its air force with the next generation of stealth and multi-role fighter aircraft. The first Norwegian F-35 took to the skies in 2015, and the first operational jets were stationed at Orland Air Base in 2017.

By 2019, Norway declared initial operational capability for the F-35, and the following year, its fighters began conducting NATO airspace patrols for the first time. The full fleet of 52 aircraft will be based at Orland and Evenes air bases, further strengthening Norway’s air defense network.

The latest deliveries have been rapid, nine aircraft arrived in the past three months alone. The newest three jets landed in Norway on February 27 and will be stationed at Orland Air Base.

“Given the complexity inherent in the development and production of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, I am very impressed by the delivery capability of the F-35 manufacturer,” said Col. Tord Aslaksen, head of Norway’s fighter aircraft department in the country’s defense material air capabilities.

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, has played a critical role in Norway’s transition to modern air combat capabilities, ensuring that the deliveries remain on track despite global production and supply chain challenges.

Norway’s role in NATO defense

Norway’s commitment to NATO has placed its F-35 fleet at the forefront of European security efforts, particularly in response to growing concerns over regional stability. In January 2025, Norway made history by becoming the first country to operate F-35s using blended biofuels, thanks to Lockheed Martin’s certification of synthetic aviation fuel (SATF). This initiative aligns with Norway’s broader sustainability goals while maintaining its military readiness.

In addition to strengthening its defense, Norway has deployed its F-35s to Poland as part of NATO’s integrated air and missile defense. The Norwegian aircraft are stationed at the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan, where they help secure NATO airspace in a strategically critical region near the logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine.

This deployment underscores Norway’s role in the alliance’s collective security framework, as its F-35s stand on constant alert to support NATO’s mission.

European reliance on F-35

Norway is just one of several European nations integrating the F-35 into their air forces. The advanced fighter is becoming a key component of NATO’s air strategy, with countries like the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany also procuring the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin estimates that by 2035, more than 600 F-35s will be operating across Europe, significantly enhancing the region’s aerial combat capabilities. However, military analysts caution that while these aircraft provide a critical technological edge, they cannot single-handedly compensate for deficiencies in ground-based firepower.

As tensions persist in Eastern Europe and NATO remains engaged in bolstering its defenses, Norway’s completion of its F-35 fleet will further solidify its strategic position within the alliance.

Final deliveries

With 49 of 52 aircraft now delivered, Norway is on track to receive its final three F-35s before summer, completing a procurement process that has been over a decade in the making.

These state-of-the-art aircraft will not only enhance Norway’s national security but also play a crucial role in NATO operations, ensuring the alliance remains prepared for any future threats.

As the F-35 program expands across Europe, Norway’s successful adoption of the jet highlights the importance of advanced airpower in an era of evolving global security challenges.