Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has inked a contract valued at NOK 1.2 billion (approx. USD 111.31 million) with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to provide components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, September 22.
According to the announcement made by the Norwegian company Kongsberg, the agreement encompasses the manufacturing of Rudders, Vertical Leading Edges, and Main Landing Gear Closeout panels for over 300 aircraft across three versions of the F-35. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, a division of Lockheed Martin Corp, placed the order as part of its production plans for lots 18-19.
According to the company’s statement, Kongsberg is currently in active production for lots 15-17, which includes over 450 aircraft set for delivery to the customer by 2025.
Furthermore, deliveries from the new order are slated to commence in 2025 and are set to ensure a steady supply chain through 2027, all originating from Kongsberg’s production facility in Norway.
“Kongsberg has been a long-standing partner to Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program and our latest agreement is testament to our strong position in this program,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
“It also adds two more years of production from our facility, further strengthening our position for future lots beyond 2027,” he added.
Building on their previous collaborations related to the F-35 program, in 2021, the two companies signed agreements to extend their partnership in providing essential aircraft components. This particular order, valued at $13.97 million, focused on the delivery of horizontal and vertical tails for over 50 F-35 aircraft in production lots 15-17.
