Norway’s Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace (KDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to provide localised maintenance and support on the nation’s future P-8A Poseidon fleet.
Announced by KDA on June 18, the MoU will also create new jobs in Norway and will further develop its defence industry. The deal also caters for the construction of a new maintenance centre to provide local production and support services for the Norwegian P-8A fleet. Additional training for aviation industry workers in Norway is also detailed in the MoU.
![P-8A [US Navy/MCS2C Mike DiMestico] #1](/sites/keyaero/files/inline-images/Boeing%20P-8A%20Poseidon%20%5BUS%20Navy%20-%20MCS2C%20Mike%20DiMestico%5D%20%231.jpg)
Maria Laine, vice president of International Strategic Partnerships at Boeing, said: “Over the past few years, Boeing has been active with [the] Norwegian industry, which has demonstrated that they have a robust and highly capable [defence] sector that can support our business… The size, scope and strategic value of our collaboration opportunities reinforce our commitment to Norway and our promises of industry agreements.”
Terje Bråthen, division director at KDA, added: “We are very pleased to expand our close [co-operation] with Boeing by including support for the Norwegian P-8 fleet, with the possibility of further expansion in the future. Collaboration with international platform suppliers is of strategic importance to Kongsberg. It ensures continuity and preparedness in Norway and gives Kongsberg further export opportunities.”
The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) will operate five Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The Norwegian government signed the acquisition contract for the type in March 2017 and the aircraft are expected to be delivered to the air arm in 2022 and 2023.
