Norway gets first of US F-35 jets, citing ‘increased Russian activity’ in region

Norway has welcomed the roll-out of the first two of 22 Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets purchased by the Scandinavian state. They are seen as a counter measure to what Norway considers Russia’s boosting military capabilities in the region.

Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide celebrated the occasion at American weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production line in Fort Worth Texas on Tuesday.

“We all know that the F-35 is not simply another fighter. We know that it is much more,” the minister said at the launch, according to the Local Norway. “The F-35 provides us a capability we’ve never had before. It’s by far the most advanced fighter ever made.”

Speaking to Reuters on the eve, Defense Minister Soereide alluded to an “obvious projection of power” by Russia in the Baltic region, where NATO members have been ringing alarms over a possible Russian incursion.

Credit to RT