The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb
agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and
Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional
external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the
F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the
USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
Norway has ordered 52 Lockheed F-35A with the first aircraft AM-1 (13-5087) being accepted by
the RNoAF on November 6, 2015 and delivered to Luke AFB on November 10, 2015 where they
will be used by the USAF 62nd FS for pilot training. When the F-35As are stationed in Norway
they will equip the 331st Squadron at Orland. A few F-35As will be based at Evenes AB to protect
P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft. By 2021 the F-35As will replace the 56 F-16AMs now in service.