Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services has partnered with the Slovakian aircraft repair company LOTN, short for Letecke opravovne Trencin, to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft in Trencin, Slovakia.
Kongsberg said the collaboration, which will also include logistics support, aims to cover services for both new and legacy F-16.
F-16 Transition Experience
Andre Jægtvik, KAMS president, said the company took part in the Norwegian Air Force’s transition from the F-16 to the F-35, providing it with the capability to apply the experience outside Norway.
“Our designation as a Lockheed Martin-approved Falcon Service Center for F-16s up to Block 52 combined with LOTN’s experienced labor force, modern infrastructure and Block 70 capability will provide a legitimate and strategically located option for F-16 support and services,” he added.
In early April, KAMS secured a contract from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency for the maintenance and future upgrade needs of Norway’s F-35 fleet.
Service Window for NATO, Allies
Juraj Laus, LOTN chairman and CEO, called the partnership a direct result of the company’s contribution to the life cycle support for the Slovakian Air Force’s F-16 Block 70 fleet. He said Kongsberg is a “very highly regarded” industry player and that partnering with the Norwegian company will enable the expansion of LOTN’s services and competencies benefitting the Slovak Air Force, as well as its NATO and allied counterparts.
Lockheed Martin delivered Slovakia’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter jets in July. The country expects full delivery of the 14 aircraft it ordered by year’s end.