Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KONGSBERG) has inaugurated a new National Air Vehicle Depot for the F-35 fighter jet at Rygge in southeastern Norway. This state-of-the-art facility, established under a long-term contract with the Norwegian Armed Forces, marks a significant strategic investment in national security and defence capability. The depot will be responsible for the heavy maintenance, upgrades, and modifications of Norway’s F-35 fleet, complementing the user maintenance conducted at the Ørland air base.
The opening, presided over by State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen, represents a major milestone for Norwegian defense. A key outcome of this initiative is the strengthening of national expertise and operational readiness. Previously, medium-level maintenance was performed in Cameri, Italy. By bringing this critical work to Norway, the country gains greater national control over its advanced fighter aircraft, ensuring more flexible, robust support and enhanced operational availability for the Air Force. This move also fortifies local supply chains and builds vital, future-proof capacity.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasized that the facility showcases how the Norwegian defence industry is crucial to maintaining critical aeronautical expertise. The project was realized through close cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Material Agency, Lockheed Martin, and other industry partners, in accordance with requirements from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). The Rygge depot is co-located with an existing maintenance facility for the F-135 engines, and together they will employ over 200 people, further solidifying Norway’s role as a knowledgeable partner for allies and NATO.
