Defense & Military
Norway Opens Domestic F-35 Maintenance Facility to Boost Defense
Norway launches a new F-35 maintenance hub in Rygge to enhance national security and fleet readiness under Kongsberg Aviation Services.
In a significant move to bolster national sovereignty and defense readiness, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services has officially opened a new, state-of-the-art maintenance facility for the F-35 fighter jet fleet in Rygge, Norway. This development marks a pivotal shift from relying on international partners for significant aircraft upkeep, to establishing a robust, domestic capability. The facility, formally known as the National Air Vehicle Depot, is set to handle heavy maintenance, complex upgrades, and modifications for the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s F-35s, ensuring the fleet remains at peak operational readiness.
The inauguration of the Rygge depot on October 23, 2025, represents more than just an expansion of industrial infrastructure; it is a strategic investment in Norway’s long-term security and its commitment to the NATO alliance. By bringing this critical function in-house, Norway reduces its dependence on external supply chains and gains direct control over the maintenance schedules and priorities for its most advanced defense asset. This move is expected to enhance the operational availability of the F-35 fleet, which is a cornerstone of the nation’s defense and a key contributor to NATO’s collective security posture.
The establishment of this facility is the culmination of a close and strategic partnership between Kongsberg, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, and the F-35’s manufacturer, Lockheed Martin. It builds upon a decade-and-a-half of industrial cooperation, positioning Norway not just as an operator of the F-35, but as a key contributor to the aircraft’s lifecycle and sustainment ecosystem. This national hub will be instrumental as the Royal Norwegian Air Force works to declare its full fleet of 52 F-35s fully operational in 2025.
The decision to establish a national maintenance depot at Rygge signifies a deliberate and strategic pivot for Norway’s defense policy. Previously, medium-duty maintenance for the Norwegian F-35 fleet was conducted at a regional facility in Cameri, Italy. While effective, this arrangement placed a critical component of national defense readiness outside of direct domestic control. The new Rygge facility repatriates this essential capability, providing the Norwegian Armed Forces with greater flexibility, security of supply, and the ability to rapidly respond to national and allied defense needs.
This transition to self-sufficiency is a direct response to the evolving security landscape and the need for resilient defense infrastructure. By localizing heavy maintenance, Norway mitigates potential logistical delays and bottlenecks that can arise from international dependencies. This ensures that its fighter fleet, based primarily at Ørland Air Station, can be maintained and upgraded efficiently, maximizing its availability for both national defense and NATO missions.
Gro Jære, Director General of the Norwegian Defence Material Agency, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating it ensures “more flexible and robust support for Norwegian combat aircraft.” This enhanced national control is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental strengthening of Norway’s ability to independently manage and sustain its premier air combat capability for decades to come.
“This facility is much more than just a new building. It represents a strategic investment in national security… Expertise in the industry is being built, and the operational readiness of our fighter aircraft is strengthened.” – Marte Gerhardsen, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Defence.
The new 5,000-square-meter facility is a significant industrial development, strategically co-located with the F-135 engine maintenance depot that opened in 2020. This creates a comprehensive aerospace hub at Rygge Air Station, concentrating a critical mass of technical expertise and resources in one location. The synergy between the airframe and engine depots streamlines the entire maintenance process, fostering efficiency and innovation.
The economic and industrial impact of this hub is substantial. When fully operational, the combined facilities are projected to employ over 200 highly skilled personnel. This not only creates jobs but also plays a crucial role in retaining and developing critical aeronautical expertise within Norway. As Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, noted, the facility helps “maintain the critical aeronautical expertise that has been built up over several decades.” This investment in human capital is as important as the physical infrastructure. By fostering a domestic center of excellence for 5th-generation fighter maintenance, Norway ensures it has the sovereign knowledge base to support the F-35 throughout its operational life. This expertise is a national asset that enhances both industrial competitiveness and military capability.
The establishment of the Rygge depot occurs within a broader context of the F-35’s growing importance in European security. By 2030, it is projected that over 400 F-35s will be operating from NATO bases across the continent. While this common platform enhances interoperability, it also presents logistical challenges. A 2025 report from the Rand Corporation highlighted potential difficulties in cross-servicing aircraft between nations due to differing equipment standards and data-sharing protocols.
By creating a sovereign maintenance depot, Norway is proactively addressing some of these global sustainment challenges on a national level. The facility reduces the strain on the wider F-35 global support network and provides a robust solution for ensuring the readiness of its own fleet. This move towards greater self-sufficiency in maintenance could serve as a template for other European F-35 operators looking to enhance their operational readiness and national control over critical defense assets.
Furthermore, the Rygge facility has the potential to serve allied nations in the future, further strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture. A resilient, distributed network of maintenance hubs across Europe can improve the overall robustness of the F-35 program, ensuring that the alliance’s most advanced fighter capability remains effective and sustainable in the face of technical challenges, software upgrades, or parts shortages that can affect the global fleet.
The opening of the Kongsberg F-35 maintenance facility at Rygge is a landmark achievement for Norway. It represents a decisive step towards sovereign control over a critical defense capability, ensuring the long-term operational readiness of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s F-35 fleet. This strategic investment strengthens national security, enhances supply chain resilience, and fosters a vital hub of aerospace expertise that will benefit the nation’s industry and defense for years to come.
Beyond its national significance, the Rygge depot is a valuable contribution to the strength and resilience of the NATO alliance. By ensuring its fleet is maintained to the highest standards domestically, Norway reinforces its role as a credible security partner. As the F-35 becomes the backbone of European air power, national initiatives like this will be crucial for sustaining the collective defense of the alliance and ensuring that its technological edge is matched by robust and reliable logistical support.
Question: What is the main purpose of the new facility in Rygge? Question: Who owns and operates the maintenance depot? Question: How does this facility change Norway’s F-35 maintenance strategy? Question: What is the economic impact of the Rygge facility?
Norway Fortifies National Defense with New Domestic F-35 Maintenance Hub
A Strategic Shift Towards Sovereign Capability
The Rygge Aerospace and Defense Hub
Broader Implications for NATO and the Global F-35 Program
Conclusion: A Milestone for Norwegian and Allied Security
FAQ
Answer: The facility is a National Air Vehicle Depot designed to conduct heavy maintenance, upgrades, modifications, and improvements for the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s F-35 fighter jet fleet.
Answer: The depot is owned and operated by Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services under a long-term agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Answer: It marks a shift from sending the aircraft to a facility in Cameri, Italy, for medium-duty maintenance to having a sovereign, domestic capability. This enhances national control, strengthens supply chains, and increases the operational availability of the F-35 fleet.
Answer: The new depot, co-located with an F-135 engine maintenance facility, will form an aerospace hub. When fully operational, the combined facilities are expected to employ over 200 people, retaining and developing critical aeronautical skills within Norway.
Sources
Photo Credit: Kongsberg
Defense & Military
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Sign Deal for Joint Gökbey Helicopter Production
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia agree to jointly produce the T625 Gökbey helicopter in Saudi Arabia, advancing local defense manufacturing and technology transfer.
This article summarizes reporting by Daily Sabah.
In a significant move for regional defense cooperation, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly produce the T625 Gökbey multirole helicopter within the Kingdom. The agreement was finalized on February 10, 2026, during the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh, marking the first international Manufacturing deal for Türkiye’s indigenous utility helicopter.
According to reporting by Daily Sabah, the deal involves Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Saudi counterparts, including the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). The Partnerships aims to establish a production line in Saudi Arabia that will serve both military and civilian sectors, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to localize defense manufacturing.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for Technology transfer and industrial collaboration. As reported by Defense Here, the agreement was signed by Gökhan Uçar, Deputy Head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and TAI Board Member, alongside Saudi officials. The deal is not merely a purchase agreement but a strategic industrial partnership designed to enhance Saudi Arabia’s domestic aerospace capabilities.
Key elements of the agreement include:
“The agreement covers the production of the Turkish indigenous Gökbey multirole helicopter… [and] involves the transfer of technology and industrial know-how.”
, Summary of reporting by Daily Sabah
The T625 Gökbey is a 6-ton class, twin-engine light utility helicopter designed and built by TAI. It is Türkiye’s first indigenous multirole helicopter, engineered to operate effectively in challenging environments. This makes it particularly well-suited for Saudi Arabia’s “hot and high” conditions, which often degrade the performance of standard rotorcraft.
Based on technical data summarized from the World Defense Show reports, the aircraft features: While initial models are powered by LHTEC CTS800 engines, Türkiye is actively transitioning to its indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine to ensure full export independence and immunity from foreign restrictions.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which mandates the localization of 50% of the Kingdom’s defense spending by the end of the decade. By securing the rights to manufacture the Gökbey locally, Riyadh reduces its reliance on traditional Western suppliers and builds a skilled industrial workforce.
For Türkiye, the deal represents a major export milestone. Following the global success of its drone platforms like the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı, the Gökbey agreement validates the commercial viability of its manned aviation sector. TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu previously noted that negotiations had been ongoing, with Saudi interest extending specifically to offshore configurations for the oil and gas sector.
The decision to manufacture the Gökbey in Saudi Arabia signals a deepening of the Ankara-Riyadh defense axis. Historically, Gulf nations have relied heavily on American and European rotorcraft. This shift towards Turkish platforms suggests a desire for more flexible technology transfer terms and a diversification of supply chains.
Furthermore, the inclusion of technology transfer is critical. Unlike simple off-the-shelf purchases, this deal embeds Turkish aerospace engineering into the Saudi industrial base. If successful, the Saudi production line could become a secondary supply node for the Gökbey, potentially mitigating production backlogs in Türkiye as global demand for affordable, non-ITAR-restricted utility helicopters grows.
Sources: Daily Sabah, Defense Here, Turkish Minute, TurDef
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Deal for Joint Gökbey Helicopters Production
Agreement Details and Scope
The T625 Gökbey: Capabilities and Specs
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Reddit
Defense & Military
US Marine Corps 2026 Aviation Plan Updates F-35 Fleet Structure
The 2026 Marine Corps Aviation Plan shifts F-35 procurement to favor F-35C carrier jets, integrates AI, and enhances safety initiatives.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Marine Corps.
The U.S. Marine Corps has officially released its 2026 Marine Corps Aviation Plan (AVPLAN), marking a significant transition from strategic theory to concrete implementation. Released by Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. William H. Swan, the document outlines the service’s aviation roadmap through 2040, prioritizing integration with the Joint Force and a “data-driven” approach to modernization.
According to the official release, the 2026 AVPLAN signals the entry into “Phase 3: Execution” of Project Eagle, the Corps’ long-term aviation Strategy. While the total procurement number for the F-35 Lightning II remains steady, the plan reveals a major pivot in the mix of variants, favoring carrier-based capabilities over short-takeoff/vertical-landing (STOVL) platforms to better align with U.S. Navy carrier strike groups.
In a statement regarding the plan’s release, Lt. Gen. Swan emphasized the shift in focus:
“The 2026 AVPLAN moves away from broad directives and toward concrete, data-driven implementation.”
, Lt. Gen. William H. Swan, Deputy Commandant for Aviation
The most notable operational change detailed in the 2026 AVPLAN is the restructuring of the tactical fighter fleet. While the Marine Corps maintains its total procurement objective of 420 aircraft, the specific composition of the fleet is changing significantly to support distributed maritime operations.
According to the plan, the service is reducing its procurement of the F-35B (the STOVL variant capable of operating from amphibious assault ships) from 353 to 280 aircraft. Conversely, the Corps is more than doubling its acquisition of the F-35C (the carrier variant), increasing the target from 67 to 140 aircraft.
This adjustment will result in a force structure of: This shift suggests a deeper commitment to integrating Marine aviation assets directly into Navy Carrier Air Wings, leveraging the F-35C’s extended range and payload capacity compared to the F-35B.
The decision to swap 73 F-35Bs for F-35Cs represents a tacit acknowledgement of the changing Pacific threat landscape. While the F-35B offers unique flexibility for island-hopping campaigns and operations from L-class amphibious ships, the F-35C brings greater fuel capacity and a more robust landing gear structure suitable for high-tempo carrier operations. By increasing the F-35C buy, the Marine Corps is effectively tying its fixed-wing future more closely to “big deck” Navy carriers, ensuring relevance in long-range conflicts where the shorter combat radius of the F-35B might be a limiting factor.
Beyond fleet numbers, the AVPLAN formalizes Distributed Aviation Operations (DAO) as the service’s central warfighting concept. This doctrine relies on dispersing aircraft across small, austere expeditionary sites to complicate enemy targeting cycles. To support this, Aviation Ground Support (AGS) has been formally designated as the “7th Function of Marine Aviation,” highlighting its critical role in sustaining dispersed forces.
The plan also details the integration of unmanned systems and AI:
Col. Derek Brannon, Cunningham Group Branch Head, noted the importance of this technological integration in the official release:
“Project Eagle prepares us to embrace technological innovation while ensuring we can deliver combat power across all domains.”
, Col. Derek Brannon
Addressing a series of aviation mishaps across the military in recent years, the 2026 AVPLAN introduces a specific Safety initiative titled “Safety North Star: 26 in 26.”
The initiative aims to drastically reduce Class A-D mishaps during the calendar year 2026. The plan cites internal data indicating that 78.8% of historical mishaps involved human factors, with nearly 30% of major mishaps linked to procedural non-compliance. The “26 in 26” program focuses on a “back-to-basics” approach, enforcing strict discipline and adherence to established procedures to mitigate human error.
Marine Corps Unveils 2026 Aviation Plan: Major F-35 Fleet Restructuring and Safety Overhaul
Strategic Pivot: F-35 Procurement Changes
AirPro News Analysis
Modernization and Distributed Operations
“26 in 26”: A New Safety North Star
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps
Defense & Military
Boeing to Modernize C-17A Fleet with MOSA Upgrades Through 2075
Boeing secures contract to upgrade C-17A avionics with Modular Open Systems Architecture, extending fleet service through 2075 with Curtiss-Wright as key subcontractor.
The Boeing Company announced on February 9, 2026, that it has received a significant contract award from the U.S. Air Force to overhaul the flight deck of the C-17A Globemaster III. The “Flight Deck Obsolescence and Technology Refresh” program aims to transition the strategic airlifter’s avionics to a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), ensuring the fleet remains mission-ready through 2075.
This modernization effort addresses critical component obsolescence while introducing a digital backbone capable of rapid future upgrades. By moving away from hard-wired legacy systems, the U.S. Air-Forces intends to keep the C-17 relevant in an era of contested logistics and evolving digital warfare.
According to the announcement, the core of this upgrade is the implementation of MOSA. This architecture functions similarly to a modern smartphone operating system, allowing engineers to swap out hardware or install new software applications without redesigning the entire cockpit. This “plug-and-play” capability is essential for integrating future communication links and defensive systems required for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) operations.
The upgrade will replace legacy Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and Standby Engine Displays (SED) with high-definition “glass cockpit” screens. It also includes upgrades to the Core Integrated Processor (CIP) and Video Integrated Processor (VIP), significantly reducing crew workload and improving situational awareness.
Travis Williams, Vice President of Boeing USAF Mobility & Training Services, emphasized the long-term value of this refresh in the company’s press statement:
“By resolving avionics obsolescence and introducing MOSA, we’re preserving a proven, highly dependable, heavy airlifter and keeping it at the forefront of performance and efficiency for decades to come.”
While the February 9 announcement highlights the broader modernization framework, specific financial details reveal the scale of the commitment. A related contract for “Flight Deck Replacement” awarded to Boeing in late 2025 was valued at approximately $265 million, covering the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) phase.
Simultaneously, Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced it had secured a contract with a lifetime value exceeding $400 million to supply the ruggedized mission computers for the program. As a major subcontractor, Curtiss-Wright will provide the high-performance computing modules that serve as the brain of the new open architecture system. Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright, stated regarding the partnership:
“By delivering rugged, modular mission computing technology, we are supporting the long-term readiness of the C-17, a platform essential to global logistics and mobility operations.”
The decision to extend the C-17’s service life to 2075, nearly 85 years after its first flight, highlights a critical reality in modern military aviation: airframes often outlast their electronics. The C-17 is structurally sound, but its 1990s-era avionics are becoming impossible to source.
We observe that the move to MOSA is not just about maintenance; it is a strategic pivot. By decoupling software from hardware, the USAF can update the C-17’s cyber defenses and communication nodes at the speed of software development, rather than the multi-year pace of hardware acquisition. This flexibility is vital as the C-17 transitions from a permissive-environment cargo hauler to a data node in a high-threat, connected battlespace.
The modernization program targets the entire fleet of 275 aircraft. This includes 222 aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force and 53 aircraft flown by international partners, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability.
In addition to the avionics refresh, the fleet is undergoing efficiency improvements. Recent reports indicate the adoption of “Microvanes,” 3D-printed structures attached to the fuselage that reduce drag by approximately 1%. While seemingly small, this adjustment saves millions of gallons of fuel annually, extending the aircraft’s range for operations in the Pacific theater.
What is the timeline for the C-17 modernization? What is MOSA? Who are the primary contractors?
Boeing Secures Contract to Modernize C-17A Fleet Through 2075
The Shift to Open Architecture
Key Partners and Financials
Curtiss-Wright’s Contribution
AirPro News Analysis
Global Fleet Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is designed to keep the C-17 operational through 2075. The current phase involves Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD), with fleet-wide installation to follow.
Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) is a design standard that allows different components from different suppliers to work together seamlessly. It enables rapid upgrades and prevents “vendor lock-in” for future technology insertions.
The Boeing Company is the prime contractor. Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a key subcontractor responsible for the mission computers.Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
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