Norwegian company Kitron selected as sub-assembly maker for F-35 fighter

Norwegian electronics manufacturer Kitron has been selected by Northrop Grumman Corporation as an international source for manufacturing of a sub-assembly for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the company said on Thursday.

The potential value for Kitron is more than 1 billion kroner (116 million U.S. dollars) over the lifetime of the agreement, which runs until 2036, the Norwegian company said in a statement.

The sub-assembly, called the Dual Channel Transmit/Receive (DCTR) module, is part of the CNI (Communications, Navigation and Identification) system developed by Northrop Grumman. It was won by Kitron in a best value competition, it said.

The contract covers the initial steps of transferring technical know-how and manufacturing prototypes for testing and validation. This process will be ongoing through 2017. Kitron will then be awarded production contracts with deliveries starting in 2018.

"The F-35 program is crucial for Norway, adding significant defense capabilities and important for Kitron and the region since the long-term program secures substantial employment. Winning this type of contract reflects Kitron's position as a competitive and trusted partner," said Hans Petter Thomassen, managing director of Kitron Norway.

In September 2015, Kitron announced a separate agreement to supply different subassembly electronic modules for F-35 aircraft avionics.

Norway is one of the international partner countries participating in the F-35 program. Under a manufacturing license agreement between Kitron and Northrop Grumman, Kitron will manufacture sub-assemblies for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, according to the statement.

Norwegian defense officials have said the Nordic country is committed to the procurement of up to 52 F-35s. Enditem