KONGSBERG opens new F-35 maintenance facility in Rygge, Norway

The facility is a National Air Vehicle Depot for the Norwegian F-35 aircraft, owned and operated by KONGSBERG under a long-term contract with the Norwegian Armed Forces.

The new depot will carry out heavy maintenance, upgrades, modifications and improvements to Norwegian F-35 fighter jets, in line with the Norwegian Armed Forces’ needs and priorities. The depot complements the Norwegian Armed Forces’ own capacity to carry out user maintenance at the fighter jet base in Ørland, in mid-Norway.

“The opening of this facility in Rygge demonstrates how KONGSBERG and the Norwegian defence industry contribute to strengthening Norway’s defence capability as well as maintaining critical aeronautical expertise,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “The close cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces, authorities, Lockheed Martin and industry partners has been crucial for the rapid and efficient implementation of the depot.”

Strengthening national expertise

Until now, medium-duty maintenance on Norwegian F-35s has been carried out in Cameri, Italy. With the establishment of a national maintenance facility in Rygge, Norway will gain an independent capacity to carry out this work domestically, which strengthens local supply chains and operational availability for the Air Force.

The formal opening was conducted by Marte Gerhardsen, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Defence, at a ceremony in Rygge on Thursday 23 October.

“This facility is much more than just a new building. It represents a strategic investment in national security,” said Gerhardsen. “Expertise in the industry is being built, and the operational readiness of our fighter aircraft is strengthened. Through the acquisition of the F-35, the Air Force's combat power has increased significantly and strengthened our contribution to allies and NATO. With this facility, we are taking a new step in servicing, developing and maintaining the F-35's operational availability here in Norway. Norway's defence capability will be strengthened as a result of this establishment,” she added.

“This is a milestone for Norwegian defense capabilities. Through the agreement, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency ensures more flexible and robust support for Norwegian combat aircraft, while strengthening both national expertise and the Norwegian defence industry. This ensures greater national control over the maintenance of the F-35, while building an important capacity for the future – both for ourselves and potentially for other user nations,” said Gro Jære, Director General of the Norwegian Defence Material Agency.

About the depot

The facility in Rygge is approximately 5,000 square meters and includes several maintenance docks. The depot was set up and established in accordance with programme requirements issued by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and in close cooperation between the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Material Agency, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services and Lockheed Martin.

The new facility is located next to the existing maintenance depot for the F-135 engines for the fighter aircraft, which opened in 2020. When fully operational, the two facilities will employ more than 200 employees.