For the first time the leaders of the multinational F-35-program will meet in Norway.
The Nordic Page
This happens as all nine partner nations in the program assemble in Oslo for their second JSF steering board of 2014. The F-35 Program is expected to deliver around 3,000 aircraft for the nine partner nations as well as several direct export customers over the next 20 to 25 years and is the largest multinational technology development program of its kind since World War II. For the first time media will also be invited to cover the meeting from a dedicated press centre.
Known as the “JSF Executive Steering Board” (JESB) the summit represents the highest decision making body within the F-35 Program. The JESB is held twice a year, and as Norway currently serves as the co-chair in the program with the United States, the 2014 fall session is held in Oslo.
JESB Press Center on September 25th
In the JESB press centre pre-registered media will be able to conduct interviews, background conversations and receive briefings on the program, on the development of the aircraft and on themes and topics that are being discussed at the JESB. In addition, images and video from the JESB session itself will be made available. (NOTE: media will not be given access to the session chambers during the meeting). Following the conclusion of the JESB, key attendees may also be made available for comments and interviews. The Norwegian F-35 Program Office will also be publishing regular updates, information and pictures on its website, blog and on social media both prior to, during and after the JESB.
For questions, more information or interview requests please contact Norwegian F-35 Program Office Communications Advisor Mr. Endre Lunde on mobile +4790853270 or email endre.lunde@fd.dep.no.
Facts and background:
About the JSF Executive Steering Board (JESB)
The role of the JESB is to serve as a board of directors for the program that follows up on its progress and determines its future development. The Program Executive Officer (PEO), Lieutenant General Christopher Bogdan, as well as various subgroups and advisory boards within the program prepare and propose several reports and proposals for presentation and deliberation at the JESB. Based on the decisions and input from the JESB the PEO and the Joint Program Office (JPO) manage the daily operations of the program, as well as the development and production of the F-35 on behalf of the partner nations.
The F-35 Program is managed from the Joint Program Office, which again is governed
through a series of working groups and boards, the most important of which is the JESB
which meets this September in Oslo.
About the multinational F-35 program
In 2001 and 2002 a total of nine nations agreed to participate in the development of the F-35. In addition to the United States this included the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Denmark and Norway. Of the nine countries in the program, seven have now made a final decision to buy the F-35. In 2007 the partners then signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the continued production, development and sustainment of the aircraft, and this agreement also established the management structure for the program that exists today.
Another important feature of the multinational program is that it negotiates joint contracts on behalf of all the partner nations. The various partner countries therefore have no separate contract with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney for the purchase of the F-35. This is negotiated by the program office and the PEO, Lieutenant General Bogdan. This helps ensure that countries are able to negotiate with industry as one single entity.
All partner nations work through the JPO when ordering aircraft.
Quick facts about the Norwegian acquisition of the F-35
- Norway plans to procure up to 52 F-35A combat aircraft to ensure that its future Armed Forces are able to resolve its missions in defence of Norway. The Norwegian Parliament has so far authorized the procurement of 16 aircraft.
- The Norwegian acquisition of the F-35 is expected to cost NOK 66,2 billion in real 2014-values including related investments, weapons and training. (Roughly equal to USD 10.4 billion.)
The two first Norwegian aircraft are currently being built and will be delivered in the end of 2015, followed by another two aircraft in 2016.
