Asger Risom
Norway has become the first country to receive its full order of F-35 jets from the U.S.—and they’re unlike any others in the world. Specially equipped for Arctic warfare, these stealth fighters mark a milestone in NATO’s northern defense strategy.
As tensions in the Arctic continue to rise and NATO reinforces its northern flank, one ally stands out with a uniquely tailored air fleet. Norway, Russia’s direct neighbor, now fields the most distinctive F-35 fighters on the planet—adapted for operations in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
Arctic-Ready: What Makes Norway’s F-35s Unique
Norway has completed delivery of all 52 of its F-35A fighters, becoming the first international customer to receive its full order from the United States. But Oslo’s jets include a key modification not found on any other F-35 variant.
Norwegian F-35As are equipped with a prominent dorsal “hump.” While some speculated it housed electronic warfare gear or sensors, the feature actually contains a drogue parachute system.
This deployable chute enables safer landings on short or icy runways—conditions common at Norway’s northern bases like Bardufoss, Ørland, and Evenes.
Pilots can activate the drag chute via a dedicated switch; once the aircraft stops, the chute detaches for ease of taxiing.
The parachute system adds crucial safety for Arctic missions and enables Norway to keep its fifth-generation fleet operational in extreme environments.
Strategic Impact on NATO’s Northern Front
The integration of these cold-weather capabilities comes as Norway revitalizes its military infrastructure in the north. Bardufoss airbase, carved into bedrock and dormant since the Cold War, is now being reactivated to host some of the country’s newly acquired jets.
In addition to bolstering NATO’s high-latitude readiness, Norway’s F-35As replace aging F-16s—some of which were sold to Romania, and others donated to Ukraine. This transition not only modernizes the Royal Norwegian Air Force but reinforces allied capabilities across multiple fronts.
With stealth features, electronic warfare capacity, and high-speed performance of up to Mach 1.6, the F-35A is a formidable multirole platform. Norway’s bespoke version now extends those advantages into polar territory—an area of increasing geopolitical competition.
No other F-35 operators fly jets with this kind of climate adaptation. It’s a world-first solution to a very northern problem.
As Norway completes the deployment of its full fleet, the strategic message to Moscow is clear: NATO is not just watching the Arctic—it’s ready to defend it.