The aircraft will be made ready for sale to new owners, and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency expects to achieve commercial re-sale agreements for the upgraded aircraft. A considerable percentage of the entire F-16 fleet may potentially be relevant for repair and making ready for sale. This could result in considerable activity for KAMS at Kjeller. In addition, there will be good business opportunities for KAMS in connection with the maintenance of these aircraft for the new potential owners.
“This is a very strategically important contract for KAMS that will ensure important aeronautical jobs in the years to come and that also represents an expansion of the strategic collaboration we’ve established with the Norwegian Armed Forces for the maintenance of aircraft materials. This may create growth and even more jobs in the future,” says Atle Wøllo, Chief Executive Officer of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS).
The Norwegian Defence Material Agency is making efforts to achieve the best possible sales gain on the sale of F-16s. Several nations will be selling their F-16 aircraft in the near future. Our market surveys show it’s a good idea to create an attractive offer as regards the aircrafts’ quality and remaining flight time. This contract with KAMS gives us such an opportunity,” says Jonny M Otterlei, Technical Director at the Norwegian Defence Material Agency. “This contract also helps to maintain Norway’s industrial expertise in fighter aircraft maintenance.”
The contract initially applies to two F-16 aircraft that the Royal Norwegian Air Force has taken out of service, with an option to overhaul up to three additional aircraft. The work on the aircraft will take place at KAMS’ facilities at Kjeller, near Oslo, and if the option is exercised the last three aircraft are expected to be ready at the end of 2021. The aircraft will be returned to operating status and then maintained so that they are ready for service again. KAMS has 40 years of experience in maintaining, repairing and upgrading Norway’s F-16 fleet.
