Defense & Military
Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace extends its contract with Lockheed Martin for NOK 2 billion to produce F-35 components through 2030, supporting Norway’s defense industry.
This article is based on an official press release from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, supplemented by industry research.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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).
The contract extension with Lockheed Martin is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion, which translates to roughly $190 million to $209 million.
The agreement covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22, ensuring manufacturing deliveries from Kongsberg through the year 2030.
Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components Through 2030
Manufacturing Continuity and Component Details
Scope of the Agreement
A Decade-Long Partnership
Norway’s Expanding Role in the F-35 Ecosystem
Transitioning from Procurement to Sustainment
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) Integration
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What components is Kongsberg manufacturing for the F-35?
How much is the contract worth?
When does the contract run through?
Sources
Photo Credit: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
Defense & Military
SAFE Structure Designs Delivers Custom Tooling for US Army CH-47 Chinook
SAFE Structure Designs provided specialized maintenance tooling for the U.S. Army’s CH-47 Chinook Block II fleet, improving fuel cell servicing efficiency.
This article is based on an official press release from SAFE Structure Designs.
SAFE Structure Designs has successfully delivered a custom aviation maintenance tooling suite for the U.S. Army’s new Boeing CH-47 Chinook Block II helicopter fleet. According to a company press release, the specialized equipment is designed to safely remove, inspect, pressure-test, and reinstall the aircraft’s fuel cell systems, ensuring strict operational readiness standards are met.
The Las Vegas-based defense engineering and manufacturing company secured the contract after a previous supplier failed to meet the Army’s technical and budgetary requirements. SAFE reportedly engineered and manufactured the replacement solution rapidly, delivering the new system ahead of schedule and under budget. This delivery ensures that Army aviation maintenance teams can efficiently service the upgraded heavy-lift helicopters without unnecessary aircraft downtime.
As the U.S. Army modernizes its heavy-lift capabilities for future large-scale combat operations, the demand for specialized support equipment has become increasingly critical. We note that this delivery highlights the importance of agile secondary engineering firms in maintaining operational readiness when initial supply chain nodes falter.
The primary purpose of the newly delivered tooling suite is to allow Army aviation maintenance teams to efficiently and safely service the fuel cell systems of the CH-47 Block II aircraft. According to the official release and supporting defense industry data, the suite comprises several purpose-built components designed to streamline the maintenance process.
Key components of the system include:
The procurement of this tooling suite underscores the rigorous demands of military contracting. SAFE Structure Designs was awarded the project only after the initial contractor’s designs were rejected.
The initial contractor’s designs were deemed poorly engineered, exceeded budget expectations, and failed to meet the needs of Army aviation maintenance personnel.
Following this setback, SAFE was brought in to rectify the situation. The company leveraged its engineering capabilities to produce a viable replacement solution, ultimately delivering the critical maintenance equipment to the Army ahead of the revised schedule and below the anticipated budget.
To understand the necessity of this specialized tooling, it is essential to look at the aircraft it supports. The CH-47 Block II is the centerpiece of the U.S. Army’s heavy-lift modernization strategy. According to U.S. Army program outlines, the Block II iteration features a strengthened airframe, an upgraded drivetrain, and an enhanced fuel system. These structural and mechanical upgrades increase the helicopter’s maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, bringing it to a total of 54,000 pounds. This enhanced capacity allows operational commanders to transport more troops, heavy equipment, and fuel over significantly longer distances compared to legacy models.
The U.S. Army has aggressively pursued the integration of the Block II fleet. In late 2025, the Army authorized a “Rapid Fielding” effort to procure CH-47F Block II aircraft utilizing Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 funds. Defense procurement records indicate that the Army plans to equip two combat aviation brigades (CABs), which will require a total of 24 aircraft.
Recent contract awards further illustrate this momentum. In October 2025, Boeing received two contracts (Lots 4 and 5) valued at $461 million to produce nine additional CH-47F Block II helicopters, bringing the total number on order to 18. Furthermore, the FY2026 defense budget includes funding for six CH-47F Block II helicopters and five MH-47G Block II variants, which are utilized by special operations forces.
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, SAFE Structure Designs specializes in mission-critical military support equipment, aviation maintenance systems, and expeditionary platforms. The company is led by President and CEO Johnny Buscema, who frequently emphasizes American manufacturing principles in corporate communications.
The company has an established history of providing specialized equipment for the Chinook platform. In 2022, SAFE delivered custom, ergonomic fall-protection maintenance platforms to the Army at Fort Hood. These platforms allowed technicians safe access to all areas of the CH-47F fleet during routine and heavy maintenance.
More recently, in September 2024, the U.S. Army issued an airworthiness memorandum for SAFE’s patented 360-degree Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS) tank roller system. According to defense industry reports, this system facilitates the safe loading and unloading of heavy 500-gallon and 800-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks into the CH-47 cargo hold.
The transition of the CH-47 Block II tooling contract to SAFE Structure Designs highlights the layered and sometimes volatile nature of defense supply chains. When primary or initial niche suppliers fail to meet technical standards, agile secondary engineering firms are required to step in to maintain operational readiness and prevent broader program delays.
Furthermore, as the Army modernizes its heavy-lift fleet for future large-scale combat operations, the demand for specialized, high-value support and maintenance products becomes just as critical as the procurement of the aircraft themselves. Efficient maintenance tooling directly impacts the sortie generation rate and the overall lifecycle cost of the Block II fleet. Without reliable ground support equipment, even the most advanced rotorcraft cannot maintain the operational tempo required by modern combat aviation brigades. The CH-47 Block II is the latest upgraded version of the U.S. Army’s heavy-lift Chinook helicopter. It features a strengthened airframe, an upgraded drivetrain, and an enhanced fuel system, increasing its maximum gross weight to 54,000 pounds.
The custom tooling suite allows Army aviation maintenance teams to safely remove, inspect, pressure-test, and reinstall the fuel cell systems of the CH-47 Block II aircraft. It includes a removal cradle, a pressure-testing tool, and a custom spreader bar.
According to industry reports, the initial contractor failed to meet the Army’s technical and budgetary requirements, producing designs that were poorly engineered. SAFE Structure Designs was brought in to engineer a replacement, which they delivered ahead of schedule and under budget.
The Maintenance Tooling Suite
Purpose and System Components
Contract Background and Execution
Contextualizing the CH-47 Chinook Block II Program
Aircraft Upgrades and Capabilities
Army Procurement and Rapid Fielding
SAFE Structure Designs’ Track Record
Previous Chinook Support Equipment
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CH-47 Block II?
What does the new SAFE Structure Designs tooling suite do?
Why did SAFE Structure Designs take over this contract?
Sources
Photo Credit: SAFE Structure Designs
Defense & Military
Honeywell Commits $500M to Expand Defense Tech Production
Honeywell signs a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War to increase production of navigation systems, missile actuators, and Electronic Warfare solutions.
This article is based on an official press release from Honeywell.
Honeywell announced on March 25, 2026, that it has entered into a supplier framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) aimed at accelerating the manufacturing of essential defense technologies. According to the official press release, the aerospace giant is committing to a $500 million multi-year investment to expand its production capabilities.
The agreement positions Honeywell Aerospace as one of the first Tier 1 suppliers to establish this type of framework with the Department of War. The company stated that the partnership underscores its commitment to supplying American and allied forces with critical equipment at the necessary speed and scale required for national defense.
Under the terms of the new framework, Honeywell will significantly ramp up the production of several core defense systems. The company’s announcement highlighted three primary areas of focus that will benefit from the $500 million capacity upgrade.
First, the investment will target navigation systems, which the company notes are vital components for precision munition platforms worldwide. Second, Honeywell plans to increase the output of its Assure™ actuators. According to the press release, these electronic control systems provide maneuverability for tactical, interceptor, and strategic high-performance missiles. Finally, the company will expand its production of Electronic Warfare solutions, which are currently utilized on various U.S. military platforms, including fighter jets and AMRAAM missiles.
Honeywell executives emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement for both the company and the broader defense industrial base. The multi-year financial commitment is designed to ensure that production bottlenecks are minimized for high-demand military-aircraft hardware.
In the press release, Jim Currier, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, highlighted the company’s readiness to support the Department of War’s objectives:
Honeywell Aerospace is proud to embrace the challenge and meet this urgent need. Our commercial operating system enables us to invest in advanced technologies and manufacture at scale and speed, delivering a substantial and enduring benefit to the customer and taxpayers.
We view this $500 million investment by Honeywell as a reflection of a broader industry trend, where defense contractors are scaling up operations to meet the replenished demands of the U.S. military and its allies. By securing a framework agreement directly with the Department of War, Honeywell is solidifying its position as a critical Tier 1 supplier in the munitions and electronic warfare supply chains. The specific focus on navigation systems and missile actuators suggests a sustained governmental prioritization of precision-guided munitions and advanced interceptor capabilities. According to the company’s press release, Honeywell is making a $500 million multi-year investment to upgrade its production capacity.
Honeywell stated it will ramp up production of navigation systems, Assure™ actuators for missiles, and Electronic Warfare solutions.
The framework agreement was signed with the U.S. Department of War (DoW).
Key Technologies Slated for Production Increases
Corporate Leadership and Strategic Vision
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment announced by Honeywell?
Which technologies will see increased production?
Who is Honeywell partnering with for this agreement?
Sources
Photo Credit: Honeywell
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