This article is based on an official press release from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, supplemented by industry research.

Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components Through 2030

Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a major contract extension with U.S. defense prime Lockheed Martin, ensuring its continued participation in the global F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program. According to an official company press release dated March 18, 2026, the agreement is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion (roughly $190 million to $209 million) and will extend Kongsberg’s manufacturing deliveries through the year 2030.

The newly announced contract covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22. Under the terms of the agreement, Kongsberg will continue to manufacture critical structural components, including aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels. These components are slated to support all three variants of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.

This manufacturing extension highlights the enduring economic benefits of the F-35 program for Norway’s domestic defense industry. Although the Royal Norwegian Air Force completed its own procurement of 52 F-35A fighters in 2025, Kongsberg’s role in the global supply chain remains robust, securing long-term industrial continuity and high-tech manufacturing jobs in the region.

Manufacturing Continuity and Component Details

Scope of the Agreement

According to the company’s announcement, all parts under this NOK 2 billion contract will be produced at Kongsberg’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Norway, historically centered at the Arsenalet facility in the town of Kongsberg. The continuation of this production line underscores the stringent quality requirements demanded by the F-35 program. Industry research notes that Kongsberg has maintained a strong track record of on-time deliveries, which has been instrumental in securing subsequent production lots.

“The deal underscores Kongsberg’s entrenched position as a highly reliable, zero-defect supplier for one of the world’s most advanced and expensive defense programs,” according to defense industry research summarizing the agreement.

A Decade-Long Partnership

Kongsberg has served as a strategic industrial partner to Lockheed Martin for over a decade, initially supplying composite and titanium parts starting in 2010. The partnership is rooted in the F-35 program’s unique international industrial participation model. When allied nations like Norway partnered in the development and procurement of the aircraft, they were granted industrial offsets. This framework allowed domestic companies to bid for manufacturing contracts within the global supply chain. Over the years, Kongsberg successfully expanded its portfolio, notably adding main landing gear closeout panels to its production line in 2015.

Norway’s Expanding Role in the F-35 Ecosystem

Transitioning from Procurement to Sustainment

While the manufacturing of new components remains a significant revenue stream, Kongsberg has also heavily invested in the long-term sustainment of the F-35 fleet. In 2025, Norway received the last of its planned 52 F-35A fighters, which are currently stationed at the Ørland and Evenes air bases to serve as a critical component of NATO’s northern border defense. Following the completion of this fleet, Kongsberg shifted focus toward domestic maintenance.

Industry data indicates that in March 2025, Kongsberg signed a 15-year agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to handle the maintenance, upgrades, and modifications of the Norwegian F-35 fleet. Furthermore, in October 2025, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services opened a new 5,000-square-meter F-35 maintenance facility in Rygge, Norway. This facility operates alongside an existing depot for F-135 engines that opened in 2020, allowing Norway to perform heavy maintenance domestically rather than exporting the work.

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) Integration

Beyond structural components and maintenance, Kongsberg’s relationship with the F-35 program is deeply tied to the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Developed specifically by Kongsberg to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35A without compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile, the JSM is a long-range precision strike missile. The successful integration of this weapon system continues to drive further revenue for Kongsberg and enhances the tactical appeal of the F-35 platform for allied nations.

AirPro News analysis

We view this NOK 2 billion contract extension as a textbook example of how initial defense procurement offsets can translate into decades of sustained industrial revenue. With the global F-35 fleet surpassing 1,300 delivered aircraft as of early 2026, the demand for replacement parts, structural components, and heavy maintenance is virtually guaranteed for the next several decades. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, which recorded total revenues of NOK 58.6 billion in 2025 across its 15,000-employee global workforce, has successfully insulated itself from the typical “boom and bust” cycles of domestic military procurement. By embedding itself into both the manufacturing of Lots 20-22 and the 15-year sustainment tail of the Norwegian fleet, Kongsberg has secured a highly defensible market position within NATO’s premier Military-Aircraft program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What components is Kongsberg manufacturing for the F-35?

Under the new contract, Kongsberg will manufacture aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels for all three variants of the F-35 (A, B, and C models).

How much is the contract worth?

The contract extension with Lockheed Martin is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion, which translates to roughly $190 million to $209 million.

When does the contract run through?

The agreement covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22, ensuring manufacturing deliveries from Kongsberg through the year 2030.

Sources

• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from BAE Systems.

On March 17, 2026, BAE Systems announced it had been awarded a sustainment and modernization contract by Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to support the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS). The ADS serves as the primary electronic warfare (EW) and self-protection suite for the U.S. Air-Forces’s U-2 Dragon Lady, a high-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

According to the company’s press release, the contract ensures continuous field service support, hardware repairs, and critical Software updates for the aircraft’s defensive systems. This ongoing maintenance is designed to keep the U-2 survivable in highly contested airspace, allowing it to detect and engage new, emerging threats.

The announcement highlights a fascinating dynamic within the U.S. Air Force: while the military branch has publicly planned to begin divesting the aging U-2 fleet in Fiscal Year 2026, it continues to invest in state-of-the-art electronic warfare capabilities to protect the aircraft during active, high-stakes deployments.

Sustaining the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System

Hardware and Software Modernization

The AN/ALQ-221 system provides U-2 pilots with integrated Radar-Systems warning and electronic countermeasures. By utilizing long-range sensors and onboard processing, the system delivers essential situational awareness and self-protection. According to the BAE Systems press release, the sustainment work will be primarily executed by experts at the company’s facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, alongside dedicated field service representatives deployed globally.

Industry research data indicates that the AN/ALQ-221 is specifically tailored for the U-2’s extreme operating environment at altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet. The system relies on 13 receivers and transmitters to detect surface-to-air and air-to-air threats. Crucially, the system’s architecture allows for inflight software updates, enabling the aircraft to adapt its target recognition algorithms and jamming techniques without requiring extensive hardware overhauls.

“The Advanced Defensive System for the U-2 is part of BAE Systems’ long legacy in electronic warfare. Evolving, modernizing, and sustaining EW systems is in our DNA. Our efforts ensure they can operate effectively throughout their lifecycles.”

A Legacy of Electronic Warfare

While the U-2 airframe is a Cold War-era icon, its internal systems have been continuously modernized. Development of the ALQ-221 began in 2004, reaching Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in October 2005 as part of the U-2’s Block 20 modernization program, according to historical defense data. BAE Systems notes in its release that the aircraft’s unique, modular design and open Avionics architecture allow engineers to quickly develop, test, and field new capabilities to support modern battlespace operations.

The U-2 Dragon Lady in Modern Operations

Balancing Retirement and Relevance

The sustainment of the AN/ALQ-221 comes at a pivotal moment for the U-2 program. Based on U.S. Air Force budget documents, the military has planned to begin retiring the U-2 fleet in Fiscal Year 2026 to reallocate funds toward space-based sensors and classified unmanned systems. However, congressional pushback and the aircraft’s unmatched operational capabilities have kept it flying.

Recent operational data shows the U-2 remains heavily engaged in active missions. The aircraft has recently been deployed in support of “Operation Epic Fury,” providing vital signals and imagery intelligence over high-threat areas. Furthermore, in August 2025, the U-2 celebrated its 70th anniversary of flight, marked by a record-breaking 14-hour, 6,000-mile mission flown by a TU-2S trainer variant over all 48 contiguous U.S. states.

“Ensuring the mission readiness of the U-2 fleet requires a constant evolution of its defensive capabilities to match emerging global threats.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe a compelling “twilight tech” paradox surrounding the U-2 Dragon Lady. The Air Force is actively navigating the planned retirement of a 70-year-old airframe, yet it is simultaneously awarding Contracts to equip that same aircraft with cutting-edge electronic warfare software. This underscores a broader shift in modern aerial combat: survival is increasingly dictated by software rather than the airframe itself.

Because legacy platforms like the U-2 lack physical stealth characteristics, they rely entirely on advanced electronic warfare to remain undetected or un-targetable in the electromagnetic spectrum. By leveraging the U-2’s open architecture to push algorithmic updates to the AN/ALQ-221, defense contractors can allow a Cold War-era jet to outsmart 21st-century surface-to-air missile systems. Furthermore, the U-2’s current role as a high-altitude surrogate testbed for 5th- and 6th-generation fighter technologies, as well as the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) network, makes its continued survival a strategic necessity for the Pentagon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AN/ALQ-221?
The AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS) is an integrated electronic warfare suite designed by BAE Systems. It provides radar warning and electronic countermeasures for the U.S. Air Force’s U-2 reconnaissance aircraft.

Where is the sustainment work being performed?
According to BAE Systems, the system is sustained by experts at the company’s facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, and by dedicated field service representatives deployed with the aircraft.

Is the U-2 aircraft being retired?
The U.S. Air Force has outlined plans to begin divesting the U-2 fleet in Fiscal Year 2026 to fund newer technologies. However, the aircraft remains in active service for critical intelligence missions, and its defensive systems continue to receive funding and upgrades.

Sources

• BAE Systems Official Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by AP News and compiled defense research.

On March 18, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron officially unveiled the name and operational details of France’s next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. According to reporting by AP News, the vessel will be christened the France Libre (“Free France”), serving as a direct tribute to General Charles de Gaulle’s World War II resistance movement. The announcement took place during a presidential visit to the Naval Group shipyard in Indret, near Nantes, where the ship’s nuclear reactors are slated for construction.

Scheduled to enter service in 2038, the France Libre will replace the aging Charles de Gaulle, which has served as the flagship of the French Navy for decades. Based on compiled defense research, the new carrier carries an estimated price tag of €10 billion ($11.5 billion), though some defense analysts and budget documents suggest the final cost could eventually exceed €12.2 billion.

The project, formerly known under the developmental acronym PA-NG (Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération), is being framed by the Macron administration as a cornerstone of French military independence, nuclear deterrence, and European strategic autonomy. As detailed in the provided research, the vessel represents a massive leap in size, capability, and strategic projection for the French armed forces.

Specifications and Capabilities

A Leap in Tonnage and Technology

The France Libre will dwarf its predecessor in nearly every metric. According to the compiled research, the new carrier will measure 310 meters (1,017 feet) in length with a displacement of approximately 78,000 to 80,000 tons. By comparison, the Charles de Gaulle displaces only 42,000 tons and measures 261 meters. This increased deck space is projected to vastly improve operational safety and the sortie generation rate for the French naval air wing.

Construction of key components has already begun. Full assembly is scheduled to take place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire starting around 2031, with sea trials planned for 2036. To launch its Military-Aircraft, the France Libre will utilize the U.S.-designed Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), allowing for the simultaneous launch and recovery of heavier, next-generation aircraft.

Nuclear Propulsion and Air Wing

Powering the massive vessel will be two K22 nuclear reactors, each generating 220 megawatts. Designed by Technicatome, these reactors will provide the carrier with unlimited range and top speeds of 27 to 30 knots. The ship will accommodate a crew of approximately 2,000 sailors.

In terms of aviation capacity, the carrier is designed to carry between 30 and 40 aircraft. Initial deployments will feature the Dassault Rafale M fighter. However, defense research indicates the ship is specifically engineered to eventually host the heavier Next Generation Fighter (NGF), currently under development via the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. The air wing will be rounded out by E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early warning aircraft, Helicopters, and combat Drones.

Strategic Context and Economic Impact

European Autonomy and Deterrence

The announcement of the France Libre arrives during a period of heightened global tension. According to the provided research, the French Navy is currently engaged in an unprecedented large-scale deployment to the eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East, maintaining eight frigates, two helicopter carriers, and the Charles de Gaulle in the region amid ongoing conflicts.

Furthermore, the new carrier will play a vital role in France’s nuclear deterrence strategy. Capable of carrying nuclear-armed aircraft, the France Libre will maintain France’s sea-based airborne nuclear deterrent. Earlier in March 2026, President Macron announced an increase in France’s nuclear arsenal. During his address at the Naval Group shipyard, Macron emphasized the necessity of maritime strength, stating:

“Seas and oceans have become new arenas of contemporary conflict. They will become even more so with each passing year.”

He also noted that the ship’s name honors the memory of those who fought against barbarity, adding:

“…to remain free, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful.”

Budgetary Realities and Industrial Boost

While the €10 billion project serves as a massive stimulus for the French defense industrial base, expected to sustain thousands of jobs across hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises, it has not been immune to domestic scrutiny. France has been grappling with a strained public budget and a high national debt-to-GDP ratio. Despite suggestions from some lawmakers to delay the multibillion-euro project, the Macron administration has shielded the defense budget from austerity measures.

Defending the economic commitment, Macron highlighted the importance of a self-reliant defense sector:

“Without a strong defense industry, we would be condemned to military subordination, strategic vassalage, and economic submission.”

AirPro News analysis

We note that the jump from a 42,000-ton carrier to an 80,000-ton behemoth fundamentally alters France’s naval posture, aligning it more closely with supercarrier operations. While the France Libre will still be smaller than the U.S. Navy’s 100,000-ton Gerald R. Ford-class, it places France in the same weight class as China’s new 80,000-ton Fujian carrier, with the distinct tactical advantage of nuclear propulsion.

Furthermore, the integration of the U.S.-designed EMALS and AAG systems is a critical interoperability bridge. By utilizing the same launch and recovery hardware as the U.S. Navy, the French Navy ensures that allied aircraft can cross-deck seamlessly during joint operations. This technological choice underscores a pragmatic approach to European strategic autonomy: building independent European platforms while maintaining deep technical integration with NATO’s largest maritime force.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the France Libre enter service?
According to the announced timeline, sea trials will begin in 2036, with official commissioning and entry into service scheduled for 2038.

How much will the new aircraft carrier cost?
The estimated cost is approximately €10 billion ($11.5 billion), though defense analysts suggest the final figure could exceed €12.2 billion.

What kind of aircraft will it carry?
It will carry 30 to 40 aircraft, initially utilizing the Dassault Rafale M and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, before transitioning to the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) and various combat drones.

Why is it named France Libre?
The name translates to “Free France” and was chosen by President Macron as a direct tribute to General Charles de Gaulle’s World War II resistance movement.

Sources: AP News