NATO:Norway Shelters F-35 As in Hanger Inside Mountain

Source:NATO article based on Royal Norwegian Air Force information - Bardufoss,Norway - 17 JUN 2024 - The Royal Norwegian Air Force continues to develop national operational concepts increasing combat aircraft survivability,as in mid-June Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters landed at Bardufoss Air Station taking back hangers and facilities deactivated for 40 years.The natural features of Bardufoss Air Station provide excellent protection for combat aircraft.The mountain hanger has recieved structural and equipment upgrades to increase its use for air operations.In the long term,this may lead to increased national and Allied fighter aircraft activity in the region of Northern Norway around the air station.Said BGEN Tom Strand of the Joint Air Operations Centre (JAOC):Bardufoss Air Station plays an important role in the further development of Norwegian,Nordic and Allied Air Power.NATO is very focused on the Nations' ability to disperse and quickly move air forces through development of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.The deteriorating security policy and the war in Ukraine mean that the Air Force must become sharper.Powerful stealth fighters are not enough.In a war situation,the planes are vulnerable on the ground.On the one hand,we are significantly increasing air defence for Evenes and Orland Air Bases.On the other,the Air Force must be able to disperse its combat aircraft and operate out of several other airports and air stations,both in Norway and Nordic countries if a crisis or war so requires.*Said COL Erik Stueland,commander of 131 Air Wing:This means we must use available mountain facilities for protection within the framework of Norway's operational distribution concept;we are using the entire Air Station at Bardufoss.The whole idea of dispersion is to be able to use all available airports throughout the Nordic Region;at Bardufoss,due to its existing infrastructure,we will also be able to play a large role in the initial mobilisation phase.*ACE is NATO's concept to strengthen the resilience and survivability of Allied Air operations.It combines already existing air bases with temporary operational bases,and positions combat air power through the dispersal of resources.*Lockheed Martin (LMT)