NEW YORK (Sputnik) — A long-term agreement has been signed with the Norway-based Kitron AS to supply subassembly electronic modules for F-35 Lightning II aircraft avionics, defense contractor Northrop Grumman said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The agreement is effective through June 30, 2036, and includes rights for future extensions," the statement read.
Northrop Grumman developed the Communication, Navigation and Identification (CNI) avionics for the F-35A Lightening II.
The CNI system provides F-35 pilots with the capability of more than 27 avionics functions including voice and data communication, according to Northrop Grumman.
"The CNI system is critically important to the F-35 and provides the aircraft with its ability to be integrated into the wider airspace," Northrop Grumman Europe chief executive Andrew Tyler said. "This agreement will further strengthen the deep partnership with Norway that we have built up over the years and which dates back to 1940."
Norway, which shares a border with Russia, has expressed concern over Russia’s alleged military build-up in the Baltic Sea region, and used the buildup to justify its order of more than 50 F-35 fighter jets by the end of 2019.
The development of the F-35 jet has been beset by delays, cost overruns and technical problems. Critics of the program in the US Congress have argued that the jet is unnecessary and a waste of money.
