Norway said it would buy their first four F-35 Lightning II planes almost seven months ago to replace its aging F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet. However, the JSM deal, which involves America purchasing 25 billion Norwegian kroner’s worth of industrial contracts, is for part funding as many as 54 others.
Delivery of the remaining Lockheed Martin aircraft now could be under threat what with a deepening US financial crisis, and uncertainties as to whether the Norwegian Parliament will approve the remaining planes’ purchase.
The delayed US decision has frustrated JSM manufacturer Kongsberg Defence Systems. Pushing for a March decision, Vice President of Business Development Bjørn Bjune alleged last month a delay could mean Parliament decides not to buy the planes.
“That is what I think is the critical issue [for the parliament's decision]. That decision needs to be forthcoming," he told delegates at the Air Force Association's annual convention in Washington DC on 20 September, reports Flightglobal.
Executive Director Harald Ånnestad was quick to respond to these claims, saying he was “misquoted”.
Whilst Kongsberg faces hefty competition from bigger firms such as Raytheon, which has also developed an F-35 Lightning II compatible product, Mr Ånnestad claims his company is the right choice.
“We are a small company in the American context, and there are strong forces that want the Americans to buy American [missiles].Nevertheless, I am convinced thatwe have the best product. No one else can produce something better and cheaper,” he said.
(Source)
