13 March, 2019: AIM Norway, a provider of maintenance, repair and modification services for aircraft has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to jointly establish the world’s first Lockheed Martin-licensed F-16 ‘Falcon Depot’ centre for the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) and other regional F-16 customers.
The hub will be situated near the existing maintenance, repair and overhaul facility which is used by the RNoAF in Kjeller, Norway.
Lockheed Martin, the original equipment manufacturer and design authority of the F-16 will use AIM’s extensive technical expertise and its decades of F-16 sustainment knowledge to their advantage for supporting the Royal Norwegian Air Force, regional customers and the global F-16 fleet.
“Lockheed Martin is extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with AIM Norway and Norway,” said Susan Ouzts, vice president of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Programme. “This first-of-its-kind Falcon Depot Centre reflects the strong global demand for F-16 sustainment services, which is poised to grow as we continue to produce new F-16s and upgrade existing aircraft.”
The F-16 customer base of Lockheed Martin is continuously growing and they see new F-16 production opportunities totalling more than 400 aircraft. There are about 3,000 operational F-16s in service today with 25 countries.
"AIM Norway is extremely proud that Lockheed Martin recognises our experienced personnel, competence and capabilities. Together we will ensure continued success and readiness for existing and new F-16 operators," said Ove Haukåssveen, CEO of AIM Norway.
AIM Norway is also widening its reach and capabilities in Norway. The F-35 Joint Programme Office selected Rygge Air Base, Norway, as an F135 engine MRO&U centre. Currently, the RNoAF has nine F-35s in the country and Norway’s F-35 fleet is likely to grow to 52 aircraft.