Kongsberg has inaugurated a new facility for the maintenance of F-35 fighter jets in Rygge, southeastern Norway. The site will serve as the National Air Vehicle Depot for Norwegian F-35s, owned and operated by KONGSBERG under a long-term agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces.

The Rygge depot will handle heavy maintenance, upgrades, and modifications for the Norwegian Air Force’s F-35 fleet, complementing the existing operational maintenance capacity at Ørland Air Base. Until now, mid-level maintenance work on the aircraft was conducted in Cameri, Italy. The new facility establishes an independent national capability that strengthens Norway’s supply chain and operational readiness.

“The opening of this facility in Rygge demonstrates how KONGSBERG and the Norwegian defence industry contribute to strengthening Norway’s defence capability as well as maintaining critical aeronautical expertise,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “The close cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces, authorities, Lockheed Martin and industry partners has been crucial for the rapid and efficient implementation of the depot.”

The facility was officially opened by Marte Gerhardsen, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, during a ceremony on October 23.

“This facility is much more than just a new building. It represents a strategic investment in national security,” Gerhardsen said. “Expertise in the industry is being built, and the operational readiness of our fighter aircraft is strengthened. Through the acquisition of the F-35, the Air Force's combat power has increased significantly and strengthened our contribution to allies and NATO. With this facility, we are taking a new step in servicing, developing and maintaining the F-35's operational availability here in Norway.”

Gro Jære, Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, described the opening as “a milestone for Norwegian defense capabilities,” noting that it ensures “greater national control over the maintenance of the F-35 while building an important capacity for the future—both for ourselves and potentially for other user nations.”

Covering approximately 5,000 square meters, the Rygge site includes several maintenance docks and was developed in accordance with requirements set by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). The project was carried out in cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services, and Lockheed Martin.

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The facility is located next to KONGSBERG’s existing F-135 engine maintenance depot, which opened in 2020. Once both facilities are fully operational, they will employ more than 200 personnel.