Norway prepares six F-16s for transfer to Ukraine

17 October, 2024 Norwegian F-16 fighter jets.

2017. Photo: Norwegian Ministry of Defense In the near future, Norway will provide six F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced this during a meeting with Denmark's Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram. The Ministers discussed the current situation at the front, the need for long-range weapons, and reached specific agreements on strengthening our air defense. The meeting focused on the aviation component, specifically on strengthening Ukraine's capabilities with F-16 fighter jets.

"Norway will continue its support and provide six aircraft to Ukraine in the near future," Rustem Umerov shared.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during a meeting with Danish Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram. October 2024. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

The Ministers also discussed the development of the Ukrainian defense industry.

Norway was invited to join the Danish model of direct financing of Ukrainian defense companies. Separately, Norway was offered to take one of the Armed Forces brigades for training, similar to the French model, including training and manning. It was previously reported that the Norwegian government would donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

These fighters were part of the Norwegian Air Force and were decommissioned in 2021. Nevertheless, even this number will allow Ukraine to receive about 80 combat aircraft that can use Western aviation weapons.

Norwegian F-16AM fighter. Photo credits: Royal Norwegian Air Force

For example, among the countries that will provide Ukraine with F-16s, Denmark has announced 19 aircraft, the Netherlands - 24, and Belgium - 30.

Norway, along with its Danish and Dutch partners, is also preparing to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters "with longer-range strike capabilities."