Latest news with #ToreO.Sandvik
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
German F-35s Will Be Armed With Stealthy Joint Strike Missiles
Germany plans to buy Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles from Norway to arm its forthcoming fleet of F-35A stealth fighters. While these jets were primarily chosen as delivery platforms for U.S.-owned nuclear gravity bombs, under a long-standing NATO agreement, Germany is increasingly viewing the F-35A as part of an expanding conventional long-range strike arsenal. Plans to arm German and Norwegian F-35As with the JSM, which is manufactured by Kongsberg, were announced today by Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik. According to a statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, a contract for the missiles is expected to be signed with Germany in the first half of this year. The deal is expected to be worth around $645 million, but the total number of missiles involved was not disclosed. Germany will become the fifth country to acquire JSM, after Norway, Japan, Australia, and the United States. In the past, we have discussed the attributes of the JSM and how it differs from the related Naval Strike Missile (NSM): 'JSM is an enlarged air-launched derivative of the sea and ground-launched Naval Strike Missile (NSM), which has been steadily growing in popularity, including in the U.S. military. The JSM, which Kongsberg developed in cooperation with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon (as they also did with NSM), has a stated maximum range of around 350 miles. This is cut roughly in half when the missile is employed in its low-altitude penetration mode.' The JSM, which has a 260-pound warhead, can use GPS, INS, and terrain mapping to navigate its way to a designated target area. The terrain mapping component of the guidance suite gives the missile a valuable additional way to get where it is going, even in GPS-denied environments — something that the war in Ukraine has shown is an ever-more likely possibility in future conflicts. The agile JSM, which has reduced signature (stealthy) features, also has an imaging infrared seeker giving it very precise targeting capability in the terminal phase of flight. The seeker works passively, which also makes it immune to radiofrequency jamming and detection. A two-way datalink means JSMs can receive additional targeting information during the mid-course portion of their flight or be re-tasked entirely. Critically, the JSM is sized so that it can be accommodated internally in the F-35A's weapon bays, allowing the jets to employ these weapons while staying as stealthy as possible. In the case of the U.S. Air Force, which has also bought JSM for its F-35As, the missile was ostensibly acquired as an interim stand-off anti-ship capability until the jets get the larger AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). However, the JSMs can also engage targets on land. In the German context, the JSMs will therefore provide a powerful conventional long-range strike capability against ground targets, but they will also reintroduce an anti-shipping strike capability that was lost when the Luftwaffe retired the Kormoran missile. This Cold War-era weapon had previously armed German Tornado IDS swing-wing strike aircraft. With growing tensions with Russia, especially in the highly strategic Baltic region, maritime missions and anti-surface warfare are making something of a resurgence. In choosing the JSM, Germany is getting a missile that has already been developed, with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) funding its integration onto the F-35A. In late April of this year, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the first JSM had been delivered to the RNoAF at Ørland Air Station. At the same time, it was announced that all 52 F-35As ordered by Norway had been delivered. With this, Norway became the first country to receive all of its planned F-35s. Under the JSM deal announced today, Norway will purchase the missiles from Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace on behalf of Germany. The Norwegian Defense Materials Agency and its German sister organization BAAINBw will serve as the contracting parties in the government sale, bringing closer strategic cooperation with Germany. The joint JSM plans announced today extend an existing bilateral Naval Defense Material Cooperation agreement between Germany and Norway. This agreement was previously used for the NSM and the forthcoming 3SM — a supersonic naval 'super missile' to arm warships belonging to both countries. It also covers joint acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new Type 212CD submarines for both countries. In the case of Germany, there are also plans to acquire the AGM-158B JASSM-Extended Range, or JASSM-ER. This is a land attack cruise missile, but unlike the JSM, it will not fit in the internal weapons bays on the F-35, and it is not capable of engaging ships. The JASSM-ER has a publicly stated range of at least 575 miles, compared to a range of around 330 miles for the initial AGM-158A JASSM. In March 2024, Reuters reported that Germany had begun the process of acquiring 75 JASSM-ER missiles at a cost of around $8.67 billion. It's been suggested that these weapons could ultimately replace the Taurus air-launched conventional cruise missile, now used by German Tornados, and which have long been suggested could be transferred to Ukraine. That transfer hasn't happened, with Berlin so far having blocked such a move, despite Kyiv's requests for them. Regardless, the Taurus will need to be replaced in the future. So far, it seems that Germany has not signed a contract to buy JASSM-ER missiles. Last October, Germany announced plans to acquire 600 examples of a new version of the Taurus, known as the Taurus Neo. While the missile would require a significant redesign to fit in the F-35A's internal weapons bays, it may well be adopted as external armament, either in addition to the JASSM-ER or as an alternative. Germany may also decide to have the Taurus Neo arm the Eurofighter EF2000, which can only carry external stores. Either way, new standoff weapons combined with the F-35A will bring a major boost to Germany's long-range strike capabilities. This is in addition to the nuclear role for which the F-35A was chosen, in favor of different combinations of the Eurofighter, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler. Germany has said it aims to replace the Tornado with 35 examples of the F-35A by 2030. Already, Germany's decision to buy the F-35A was a significant one, demonstrating a new willingness to spend on military modernization and otherwise improve its readiness after years of decline since the end of the Cold War. The country's push to drastically expand its standoff strike capabilities has also seen it sign an agreement with the United Kingdom to develop a new 'deep precision strike' weapon with a range of over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles), as you can read about here. This is a project that reflects growing ambitions among various European NATO members to field long-range strike capabilities, faced by a growing Russian threat on the alliance's eastern flank. Now, with the JSM lined up to arm its F-35As, potentially to be joined by the JASSM-ER, Germany will have a highly flexible and survivable — albeit small — force of stealth jets that can undertake nuclear and conventional strike as well as anti-shipping. Contact the author: thomas@
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norway to complete F-16 deliveries to Ukraine by end of 2025, minister says
Norway will complete its planned deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2025, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik told NRK in an interview published on May 15. Norway confirmed in July 2024 that it would donate several of the U.S.-made aircraft as part of Western efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. Some jets have already been transferred, Sandvik said, but declined to specify the exact number delivered so far, citing operational security concerns and ongoing consultations with Ukrainian officials. "The donation of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding according to plan," Sandvik said. Last year, Norway also boosted its support to the Ukrainian Air Force with an additional 1.3 billion kroner (around $120 million), aimed at enhancing Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks. "With this contribution, Norway is helping to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, in cooperation with other members of the Air Force Coalition," Sandvik said. Norway is part of the international F-16 coalition, alongside 10 other countries, that has been training Ukrainian pilots and coordinating the delivery of Western fighter jets to Ukraine. In April, Norway and the U.K. also agreed to provide a 450 million pound ($585 million) military aid package to Ukraine, which included funding for the repair and maintenance of previously supplied vehicles and equipment, and financing for radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones. Read also: Russian fighter jet 'violated NATO territory' after Estonia tried to detain 'shadow fleet' tanker We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine to receive all F-16s pledged by Norway by end of 2025
Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik has confirmed that the delivery of the F-16 fighter jets pledged to Ukraine will be completed in 2025. Source: NRK, a Norwegian public broadcasting company, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Norwegian defence minister stated that Ukraine had received "some aircraft", while the remaining jets will be handed over within 2025. Sandvik added that the transfer of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding as planned, but for operational security reasons and following consultations with Ukraine, the number of aircraft delivered will not be disclosed. He also recalled that in 2024, the Norwegian government increased its support for Ukrainian air defence by NOK 1.3 billion (approx. US$124.8 million). Sandvik stated that with this contribution, Norway is helping to enhance Ukraine's air defence in cooperation with other members of the air defence coalition, an international group focused on supporting and developing Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Background: In July 2024, the Norwegian government decided to provide Ukraine with six F-16 fighter jets. Later that year, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov announced the handover of the first Norwegian fighter jets to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norway pledges around $940 million to train and equip Ukrainian brigade
Norway will allocate 10 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $937 million) in 2025 to help equip and train a Ukrainian military brigade, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik announced on April 11 during a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, according to the Norwegian government. The initiative is part of a broader Nordic-Baltic effort to support Ukraine's land forces. Norway will take the lead role in the training component, working in close coordination with Ukrainian authorities and allied nations. 'Norway stands united with Europe for stronger support for Ukraine, politically, economically, and militarily,' Sandvik said. 'Our contribution is both material from our own defense and acquisitions of ammunition and materiel from Ukrainian and international industry. Not least, we will contribute with training.' Instead of establishing an entirely new brigade, the initiative will concentrate on developing modular units — smaller components designed to integrate into and strengthen Ukraine's existing brigades. These brigades typically comprise 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers and possess a variety of combat capabilities that enable them to operate independently. 'Under Norwegian leadership, the Nordic and Baltic countries work closely with Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the training and equipment meet Ukrainian needs as well as possible,' Sandvik explained. The previous initiatives to have Ukraine's Western backers train and equip new brigades were highly controversial. The 155th Brigade was intended to be a flagship project for Ukrainian brigades trained and armed with the assistance of foreign partners. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June that France would provide training and military supplies as part of this initiative. Despite Paris fulfilling its commitments for training and arms provision, an investigation led by Yurii Butusov, editor-in-chief of Ukrainian media outlet pointed to problems in the brigade's creation and management, allegedly leading to 1,700 cases of soldiers going AWOL from the unit before firing a shot. During the Brussels summit, Sandvik also held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. According to Bloomberg, Norway also joined the U.K. in pledging a joint $585 million military aid package to Ukraine. The U.K. will contribute £350 million ($455 million), while Norway will provide £100 million ($130 million) through the U.K.-led International Fund for package includes support for the repair of previously delivered equipment, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones. Earlier this week, Oslo also committed $454 million to procure artillery shells for Ukraine. Read also: Inside Ukraine's desperate race to train more soldiers We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norway officially joins Ukraine drone coalition
Norway has officially joined the Ukraine drone coalition led by the United Kingdom and Latvia. Source: Norway's Defence Ministry on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik signed the document on joining the coalition in Brussels on 11 April. "Together we are building a strong alliance to support Ukraine. The paperwork for making it official was done by Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik in Brussels this morning," the Defence Ministry tweeted. For reference: The drone coalition, led by the United Kingdom and Latvia, was established in January 2024 to enhance Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities. Background: On 24 March, it was reported that the coalition had allocated €20 million from a joint fund to procure tactical-level reconnaissance drones for the Ukrainian defence forces. On 1 April, it was reported that Latvia had committed to sending a further 1,500 combat drones as supplies to Ukraine's Armed Forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
