Northrop Grumman has expanded its supply chain for F-35 avionics components with a long-term agreement with Kitron AS of Norway.

Under the deal, Kitron will supply sub-assembly electronic modules to Northrop Grumman through the summer of 2036.

"Northrop Grumman is committed to developing a cost-effective and technically superior source that would provide the best value for the F-35 CNI program," said Jeannie Hilger, vice president, network communication systems, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "We established a cooperative, supportive relationship with Kitron and forged this agreement to formalize our partnership."

Northrop Grumman developed the Communication, Navigation and Identification, or CNI, avionics for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

The CNI suite provides F-35 pilots with the capability of more than 27 avionics functions. The suite uses software-defined radio technology to allow simultaneous operation of multiple critical functions.

"The CNI system is critically important to the F-35 and provides the aircraft with its ability to be integrated into the wider battlespace," said Andrew Tyler, chief executive, Europe, Northrop Grumman. "This agreement will further strengthen the deep partnership with Norway that we have built up over the years and which dates back to 1940."

Norway is a partner nation in the F-35 program and received its first aircraft earlier this week.

Northrop Grumman recently contracted Kitron to develop a test program set for evaluating and troubleshooting F-35 avionics.

"This agreement affirms Kitron's position with Northrop Grumman as an important partner and supplier of complex electronic modules and technical services including test development, as well as a source for repair of avionics for the Joint Strike Fighter," said Hans Petter Thomassen, managing director of Kitron AS.

Kitron AS is a subsidiary of Kitron ASA, and is a leading electronic manufacturing service company.