Defense officials from the Pentagon and Norway have signed a memorandum of understanding to proceed with the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The MOU covers production, sustainment, and follow-on development. A few days earlier, the Pentagon and Turkey signed a similar MOU. Late last year, the Pentagon reached agreements with Australia, Britain, Canada, and the Netherlands. Italy and Denmark are expected to sign the JSF PSFD MOU soon.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.