So far, the discussion in this thread has really only concentrated on fighter aircraft, revolving (devolving?) around the F-35 JSF and the proposed Gripen NG. My personal feeling is that in selecting the F-35, Norway will have gotten the aircraft that best suits their needs in the near- and longer-term future.
An area of the RNoAF that has not really been looked at is their possession of force multipliers and supporting assets. Given the increase in effectiveness these can give an air force, and the growing number of countries that will possess them, it seems sensible (to me) to look at this.
At present, the transport capability seems to be in transition. The 6 C-130H Hercules are being retired, to be replaced with 4 C-130J Hercs. While the -J is more capable than the -H was, I question the decrease in numbers. I would think that, even with the increased capacity of a -J, a decrease in total numbers a third would represent a drop in total available capacity. This at a time when I would expect Norway to have more involvement in issues away from Norwegian soil and thus have an increase in transportation requirements. In a similar vein, the various helicopters used (Bell 412, Lynx and Sea King) appear set for replacement with NH-90 helicopters. On an individual helicopter level it is a boost in capability. However, I think as a total force, it represents a decline in capability, as ~36 helicopters are being replaced by 14 (AFAIK).
My personal feeling is that Norway would be well served by either increasing the numbers ordered, or placing follow-on orders. For the transport aircraft, ordering perhaps an additional 2+ C-130J Hercules (or even better, KC-130J) or maybe 4-6 C-27J Spartan/G.222. Another possibility (assuming it does get completed) is to order 2 A400M or even A330 MRTT. Assuming Norway does engage in foreign deployments, they will need some sort of transport capability able to support such deployments as well as 'local' needs. Adding a capability like AAR would just make such aircraft that much more useful to Norway and their allies.
For helicopters, I do not think 14 enough, particularly since they would provide utility as well as SAR roles. The current force has 18 for each role, the planned replacement would have less than that number to fufill either role. Assuming the standard figure of one third available for ops at any one time, that might mean only 5 NH90 helicopters vs. the current 4 Sea Kings, 2 Lynx and 6 Bell 412s. I would think a second helicopter order, either of additional NH-90s, or perhaps a larger helicopter design like the EH-101 Merlin or CH-47 Chinook or Sikorsky S-92.
I am curious what others think about the transport and helicopter support, or if anyone has additional figures other than the ones I have come across.
-Cheers
