The Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF), Major General Rolf Folland, paid a visit to the United Kingdom to gain insight into the capabilities of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and to explore avenues for increased cooperation between the two air forces.
The visit, hosted by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, was focused on the roles of the RNoAF and the RAF as part of NATO and the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in ensuring security and stability in northern Europe.
The RAF say here that during the visit, Major General Folland had the opportunity to learn more about the RAF’s F-35B Lightning II capabilities, maintenance, and training at RAF Marham. Additionally, the two Chiefs explored ways in which the two nations’ Lightning II forces could collaborate more effectively.
The RNoAF operates the F-35A variant of the aircraft and is currently developing its operational capabilities, with plans to operate a fleet of 52 aircraft. The F-35A Lightning II has already taken over the Quick Reaction Alert role in Norway.
The two Chiefs also spent time discussing the exploitation of maritime capabilities, particularly the P8 Poseidon, which is operated by both air forces. They also touched on international agreements, methods of sharing intelligence, and reciprocal exchange posts, as a means to enhance understanding and integration.
Air Chief Marshal Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, was quoted as saying:
“The Royal Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force share a rich history and it was a pleasure to welcome my counterpart back to the UK this week. We explored what more we could do in NATO and as JEF partners ready to defend our collective security, working ever closer together across the North Atlantic, Northern Europe and the Arctic Region.”
You can read more here.
Love norway.
Me too Norwegians are very nice people and the country is simply breath-taking.
My cousin was with NATO in Oslo and we stayed with his family for six weeks some years ago. I don’t think I have ever been made to feel more welcome by the people. Wonderful country, wonderful people.
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With so many F35s sold across Europe, it really wouldnt hurt for the Uk to open up another F35 maintence centre (Currently there are only 3 in the world: US/Italy/Japan)
Agreed. But a second production line would be even better. It would help to catch up with the backlog of orders and give us a strategic edge when it comes to building Tempest. If we ever do.
Theres already three production lines, US, Italy and Japan.
I’m not really sure how Italy managed to wangle the European production line, they are only buying 18 of the things.
That’s just the Navy, the air force is getting another 70-75 which will mainly be F35A.
Cheers, Craig had forgotten that bit.
Do they all build F35B?
I wrote to the Government about this .. having our own production line. I would be very interested in seeing it being built at Warton where our typhoons are built. Securing jobs and as you said helping back log of aircraft and a maintenance facility.. The UK 🇬🇧 needs to build all 138 aircraft.. even if its is 72 b’s and 66 a’s. Personally 96Bs would be ideal number unless we splash out for a 3rd carrier. Then yes 138 Bs would be the real figure. We will need a 2nd F35 base anyways this could be RAF Leeming.. or… Read more »
I wonder why we don’t have one when we are a Tier 1 partner?
We are building a high percentage of the components (10-15% depending on model), Japan and Italy are doing assembly (and Italy heavy maintenance as well) but they arent manufacturing much content, just putting them together.
Firstly Japan and now Norway both sound independent nations to do business with, though in truth, there has been a close bond with both for years. Combining F35 practices just strengthens the interoperability of this aircraft.
“The two Chiefs also spent time discussing the exploitation of maritime capabilities, particularly the P8 Poseidon, which is operated by both air forces.”
Hopefully Stingray integration, sharing the cost so we don’t have to use the apparently barely capable Mk54…
They’re also paying to integrate JSM on both P-8A and F-35, aren’t they? Good on them, hoepfully we can discuss a common pool of weapons even- they may be interested in Meteor and Spear 3… Not saying we shouldn’t have our own stocks, but money saving and increasing commonality between allies is always a win.
I seem to have read that the JSM is too big to fit the internal weapons bay on the F35B. Norway is doing the work for their F35A variant.
Yeah, I believe that’s the case- although I heard they were looking into solutions. Not the end of the world though. Stealth is all about how close you get before they spot your reduced RCS, and I’d be willing to bet that an F-35B carrying a stealth-shaped JSM on an external wing pylon still has a lower radar cross section than a Typhoon or F/A-18. I reckon they’d be plenty safe to launch from the NSM’s range (130 miles, off the top of my head?) and be out of the way before they were in danger from a vessel’s air… Read more »
For the record, Norway, Australia and Japan are already procuring the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) by Kongsberg for its fleet of F-35s. Based on the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), the JSM was specifically designed to fit internally, inside the stealth fighter’s weapons bays. However it offers a shorter range compared to LRASM. Lockheed Martin confirmed to Naval News during SNA 2021 that LRASM can not be mounted internally aboard the F-35 Lightning II aircraft: ““Due to their overall size of the missiles, both JASSM and LRASM would be external carriage only. They do not fit in the internal bay of the F-35.” Monaghen explained. Unsure… Read more »
For the record, Norway, Australia and Japan are already procuring the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) by Kongsberg for its fleet of F-35s. Based on the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), the JSM was specifically designed to fit internally, inside the stealth fighter’s weapons bays. However, it offers a shorter range compared to LRASM. Lockheed Martin confirmed to Naval News during SNA 2021 that LRASM can not be mounted internally aboard the F-35 Lightning II aircraft: ““Due to their overall size of the missiles, both JASSM and LRASM would be external carriage only. They do not fit in the internal bay of the F-35.” Monaghen… Read more »
LRASM doesn’t have to fit internally. If the F35B can just carry it too launch range that’ll be fine. As LRASM range is +1000kms I don’t think it’s an issue.
There is some work to move some bulkhead on the F35 to get some more space in the weapon bays. How this effects each variant I don’t know.
Internal carriage does bring about a load of issues. Perhaps 1 large weapons bay akin to a WW2 bomber would allow more flexibility.
Moving a bulkhead would be big piece of work. I’ve not heard anything on this before.
I imagine there is already a lot on sharing going on. The position of Norway provides a great place to see any ships, aircraft coming in and out of the north.
The QRA of Norway often passes onto the uk.
The offshore Norwegian trench must be something of a hot spot for Russian submarines. Whatever happened to that submarine base the Norwegians sold to Russia. If it’s still in operation it must be crawling with Spetsnaz and naval infantry sneaky beaky types.
They bought it back and it is being used by NATO forces and I think James May had a prang in it a couple of years ago whilst doing some daft thing for the Gran Tour 🧐
Good news: kind of allies you want.
There always a quiet level of close cooperation.
The Norwegians are very reliable. They do what they say they will do. So good to work with.
It’s a shame we cannot persuade Norway to invest in a squadron or three of F35B. Inviting them to cohabit our carriers. Both nations would benefit.
It would be even nicer if they bought a couple of Type 26’s. The Russian Sub skippers would not be happy about that.
I believe a Norwegian delegation visited BAE Govan during 2022, David.
Window shopping sadly. 👍
Well the window is a good place to start. Just need the rest of the ship next.
😁😁
Yes but of their five frigates one is razorblades, and 3 are 15-18 years old, they don’t have a sovereign ability to build their own frigates so are probably in the market for procuring 5 new frigates around 2030..for delivery from around 2031-2036 which would be nice timing for the British yards.
Only 5 frigates. Norway has a huge coastline. Surely they require more than 5?
They have a really small navy, only five frigates ( well four as one sank) in one frigate squadron, a squadron of 6 small ( 1000 ton) old electric subs ( aready 30+ years old and not due to be replaced until they are all 40+ years old), a squadron of corvettes..which are actually fast attack craft that carry 8 navel strike missiles and and a 76mm ( 60knots, 400mn range and 275 tons, they are not corvettes in the traditional sense). Then 20 16meter fast patrol boats, armed with machine guns and Grenade launchers and mines. They also have… Read more »
I like your positivity. Hope you’re right. I don”t think their Navy need convincing they know how good Type 23 is and that Type 26 is even better. It’s their politicians we should work on.
True, I think the T26 would be a very very good fit for what they look for in a frigate, top ASW, surface strike with good self defence AAW. I would imaging BAE have them them in their sites for a possible 2030s order. It’s one of the few navy’s that do order high end ASW ( if in very limited numbers) but are not looking to build at home.
Norwegians may request an offset purchase of more NSMs by RN. Dunno, would an NSM battery on all harbour tugs be a trifle over-the-top? 🤔😉
Possibly a little more than needed, but I think we should be looking at NSM on all deployed type 31s, T45s, T23s and T26s. personally I think the forward based T31s should become focused strike assets and have 16 ( or MK41 launchers and tomahawks). Everyone has to think a bit carefully if they have an USN AB parked in a sea near them and the RN should make the T31 into that sort of geopolitical asset ( 16+ strike missiles away make a point).
A case for the F35A for the RAF, releasing the B for the RN?