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
First. The transport capability will in the future be 2 130j`s and 2 130j-30s. I am 90% shure of this mix, however it`s difficult to get any clear info in the media, since they ignore the versions when they wright about it. If you add the cooperation agreement in regards to the c-17, in wich Norway has a large stake, I think you get an increase in availability compared to the 6 old workhorses that are being replaced.
second Helicopters
You`we got very good questions, sadly the answers in this thread have been only partially correct. So here comes my understanding of it.
Current orders are for 6 (asw)NFH. These are not replacements for anything but are a new capability. They are an integral part of the 5 new frigates. The old frigates did`nt have a helicopter.
Also on order are 8(sar?)NFH`s for the coast guard. They will be used in ship bourne ops from Coast guard vessels. They are replacing 6 lynx helicopters. Hence an increase in both quality an quantity.
Sea king replacement.
The air force wanted to replace the sea king (land based SAR) with the NH-90. This is why Norway has options for aditional nh-90s. The option expired last year, but has afaik been renewed indefinetly. What happened here is that the ministry of justice is the responsible department for land based sar, while the air force delivers the capability. The ministry of Justice wants to have a new competition for the delivery of this service, however the choise might still be the NH-90 and the air force. This could be interdepartemental infighting, however since the NH-90 is so late, they can just as well take the time they need to figure out whats what. There is a high availability of private sar helicopters in Norway since the offshore oil companies are obligated to have them available, so the sea kings are not the only asset available for SAR duty at any given time.
Bell 412sp
These helicopters are used in the utility role. I think they were delivered between 1987-1990, so they are not that old. The army is in need of more helicopters, so probably they will be replaced by a bigger number of helicopters. My guess is that the nh-90 is a good bet as a replacement. However with the nh-90 programme way behind schedule, there is not much point in fretting about it at this time.
So afaik the situation is this
old_______________new
6 c-130 E/H_______2 c130j + 2 c130j-30 in addition to the c-17 coop
6 Lynx Mk86_______8 nh-90NFH(sar) for coast guard ships
-----------________6 nh-90NFH(asw) for the 5 new frigates
12 Sea King Mk 43B_unknown, ioc 2011-2014 competition ongoing
18 Bell 412 SP______unknown
In addition, the air force have(had?) additional squadrons of requisitioned private helicopters and pilots in case of a mobilization.
