Norway Wants to Buy Six More F-35 Fighter Jets

The Norwegian government wants to order another six F-35 fighter jets this year, in a deal worth some 7.38 billion kroner, or $1.23 billion.

If approved by the nation’s Parliament, the aircraft would be delivered by 2018 on top of six others ordered this year, which lawmakers had already agreed to. In 2011, Norway ordered four F-35s.

Norway’s defense ministry said in 2008 it plans to buy 52 F-35 fighters, but that each year’s purchase must be approved by Parliament.

Monday’s proposal was part of the 2014 budget plans presented by outgoing government, which is stepping down after a defeat in last month’s parliamentary elections.

Leaders of the new government, expected to take office later this week, have said they would continue with plans to procure the 52 aircraft.

Norway is the latest foreign nation to express its support for the Fort Worth-built F-35. Last month, defense officials in the Netherlands formally selected the F-35 to replace its aging fleet of F-16s, and proposed the purchase of 37 fighter jets to the Dutch Parliament.

Other foreign nations that have committed to buy the F-35 include Israel, Australia, Britain, Italy and Japan.

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