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US Holds 1st Ever F-35 Cross-Service Maintenance With Norway – A Move That Could Worry Russia, China?

The United States and Royal Norwegian Air Forces have successfully conducted the first-ever unsupervised F-35 Lightning II cross-service operation, marking a significant milestone in fighter aircraft interoperability. 

The operation, which took place on April 8, 2024, saw Norwegian aircraft maintainers servicing two US fighter jets at Ørland Air Station in Norway, a development announced by the US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa on April 22. 

The two F-35s, belonging to the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, undertook the journey from the United Kingdom to Ørland Air Station, where they were received, refueled, and relaunched by a maintenance crew from the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RoNAF) 132nd Air Wing. 

Following two days of operations at the Norwegian base, supported by local maintainers, the US aircraft returned to RAF Lakenheath.

General James B. Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command, stated, “Operations like these showcase increased F-35 interoperability in Europe.” 




F-35 Lightning II | Lockheed Martin
F-35 Lightning II – Lockheed Martin

Hecker highlighted the importance of cross-servicing agreements. Such agreements enable nations to utilize foreign airfields and maintenance resources, thereby expanding capabilities beyond borders. 

He reiterated the ultimate goal of seamless integration, envisioning any F-35 being able to land at any F-35 base, undergo necessary maintenance, and swiftly return to action.

The collaboration between the US and Norwegian air forces builds upon years of partnership and investment in the F-35 program

The service said that since the arrival of the first Norwegian F-35s at Ørland Air Station in 2017, the 132nd Air Wing has expanded its capabilities and now operates two squadrons of F-35s at the installation. 

The USAFE/AFAFRICA pointed out that joint training initiatives between the US 48th Fighter Wing and Norwegian counterparts began in January 2022, laying the groundwork for cross-servicing operations.

Colonel Martin Tesli, base commander for the 132nd Wing, expressed pride in the progress achieved. “We are proud that the progression in the F-35 program has come so far that we can use each other’s capacities in this way,” he said.   

Tesli highlighted the enhanced opportunities for cooperation in training and operations facilitated by such collaboration, noting the increased flexibility in joint endeavors. 

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Maj Justin “Spike” Lennon, a pilot from the 493rd Fighter Squadron who took part in the event, noted how the capability to merge maintenance and operational capacities with NATO Allies provided significant flexibility for F-35 operations.

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With 12 NATO nations either currently operating F-35s or having them on order, the F-35 Lightning II is proving to be more than just a stealth aircraft; it’s becoming a linchpin for enhanced interoperability and collective defense efforts across Europe and beyond.

Public perception often focuses on the F-35’s stealth capabilities, which indeed make it a formidable asset against advanced anti-aircraft systems. However, its significance goes beyond mere survivability and lethality. The aircraft’s ability to share real-time data with other F-35s and legacy aircraft is revolutionizing modern air-strike operations.

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