Norway to contribute $7 million to train technicians for F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets

The Norwegian government plans to allocate additional funding to train personnel who will maintain the F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets. The Scandinavian country, like other European F-35 operators, suffers from a shortage of highly skilled personnel.

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Norway has ordered 52 fifth-generation fighters worth nearly $8.5 billion, with the planes stationed at bases Ørland and Evenes. Since the closure of Bodø, the Norwegian Air Force has been suffering from a shortage of mechanics.

In total, the Ministry of Defence plans to spend $7 million to solve the problem. $5.6 million of this amount will be used to ensure a sufficient number of technicians. Another $1.4 million will be invested in a school for personnel training.

At the moment, Norway is addressing the shortage of personnel by hiring technical staff from Lockheed Matin and Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services. By 2023, more than $3.6 million has been allocated for that.

Source: Defence24