Norway provides six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
F-16 Fighting Falcon
Ukraine should receive six F-16 aircraft from Norway by the end of this year. Currently, Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are undergoing training.
This was stated by the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Har Støre, NRK reports.
According to him, Ukraine's ability to defend itself against air attacks is crucial for its defense against Russia.
"Norway has decided to donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. We plan to start deliveries in 2024," the prime minister said.
It will be recalled that in August 2023, during a visit to Kyiv, Støre announced that Ukraine would receive F-16 fighter jets from Norway. However, the Prime Minister of Norway then did not disclose their number or the delivery terms.
It should be noted that Norway used F-16s from the 1980s before purchasing more modern F-35s instead.
In particular, the country transferred its 32 F-16s to Romania but still has these fighters on standby.
Ukraine will receive F-16s from Norway as part of a coalition led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the USA.
Norway also handed over NASAMS-type air defense systems to Ukraine. Støre noted that air defense and more modern fighters would help Ukraine defend itself against Russian air attacks.
Since the fall of 2023, Norway has been participating in the training of Ukrainian fighter pilots in Denmark. The Office of the Prime Minister of Norway stated that Norway is working on providing Ukraine with various aircraft weapons.
What is known about F-16 fighters for Ukraine
At the end of March, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine should receive Western F-16 fighter jets according to previously established plans and schedules.
It should be noted that the fighter coalition will transfer a "significant number" of F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine. They will be equipped with the latest weaponry and will be able to strike behind the front lines.
In turn, the Netherlands announced that it would begin sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the fall of 2024. In total, 24 aircraft are to be handed over to the army.
Also, ten Ukrainian servicemen underwent training in the Netherlands to maintain F-16 combat aircraft.
In addition, the first group of Ukrainian pilots has now completed training in the USA, and Denmark has already trained 50 Ukrainian F-16 maintenance specialists.
