Kongsberg Secures F-35 Production Contract Worth NOK 2bn

Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed an agreement with US defence prime Lockheed Martin for the production of F-35 components, with an expected value of NOK 2bn ($208.6m).

The agreement extends Kongsberg’s ongoing production of F-35 components through to 2030, supporting all three variants of the F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter.

F-35 Production Lots 20-22

The deliveries to production Lots 20–22 of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme include aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges and main landing gear closeout panels, produced at Kongsberg’s manufacturing facilities in Norway.

These components are critical to the F-35’s performance and reliability, and Kongsberg’s expertise in producing them has been recognized by Lockheed Martin.

Norway’s F-35 Programme

Norway is one of the leading operators of the F-35 platform and was the first to complete the acquisition of its intended order, receiving the last of its 52 F-35A fighters in 2025.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force operates the so-called conventional F-35A variant, rather than the vertical-landing ‘B’ model operated by the US Marine Corps, UK Royal Navy, and RAF, or the ‘C’ variant, which is dedicated to naval operations with the US Navy.

Benefits for Norway’s Industry

Despite Norway completing its planned programme of record for F-35 fighter acquisition, the country’s industry, such as Kongsberg, will still benefit from ongoing manufacturing of the platform, which is widely operated across Nato’s air forces.

Through a workshare arrangement, non-US countries who chose to partner with the United States were provided with industrial offsets, in what is the largest defence programme in history.

As of early-2026, over 1,300 F-35 aircraft, across the three variants, have been delivered to militaries, with the US the primary operator.

The latest production Lots, 18-19, are ongoing, with contracts for Lot 20 and beyond currently being issued across the industrial base.

Kongsberg’s agreement with Lockheed Martin is a significant milestone in the F-35 programme, demonstrating the company’s expertise and commitment to producing high-quality components for the platform.

The contract is expected to generate significant revenue for Kongsberg and support the company’s growth in the defence industry.

With this agreement, Kongsberg solidifies its position as a leading supplier of F-35 components and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner for Lockheed Martin.

The F-35 programme is a critical component of Nato’s air power, and Kongsberg’s involvement will help ensure the continued success of the platform.

The agreement also underscores the importance of industrial cooperation between Norway and the United States, highlighting the benefits of collaboration in the defence industry.

Kongsberg’s expertise in producing F-35 components will continue to be in high demand, and the company is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities in the programme.

The F-35 programme is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the defence industry, and Kongsberg’s involvement is a key factor in its success.

The company’s commitment to producing high-quality components will help ensure the continued performance and reliability of the F-35 platform.

Kongsberg’s agreement with Lockheed Martin is a significant development in the F-35 programme, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s growth and revenue.

The contract is a testament to Kongsberg’s expertise and reputation as a trusted supplier of F-35 components.