Norwegian criticism of US defence contract

The Norwegian Parliament has given the US weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin until June to issue contracts to the Norwegian defence industry, in accordance with the Joint Strike Fighter agreement. Norway contributes NOK 100 million anually to the project. The Norwegian Parliament has given the US weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin until June to issue contracts to the Norwegian defence industry, in accordance with the Joint Strike Fighter agreement. Norway contributes NOK 100 million anually to the development of the new fighter-bomber.In return, the Americans have agreed to invest in Norwegian defence industry, but this has not happened. This week, the Parliament's Defence Committee met with representatives from Lockheed and Pentagon in the US. Leader of the Committee, Marit Nybakk (Labour), says they had a frank discussion with the US representatives, and that it was made clear that Norway would consider withdrawing from the cooperation, if investments were not fortcoming. Nybakk says only peanuts have been invested in Norway in connection with the fighter project. She believes the Norwegian views were understood by both Loockheed Martin and the Pentagon. (NRK) Rolleiv Solholm