Norway to Allocate Funds for Ukrainian F-16s Weapons

30 October, 2024 Two Norwegian F-16 fighters. Photo credits: Royal Norwegian Air Force Norway will allocate funds for the purchase of weapons and spare parts for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

Additional military assistance for Ukraine related to the maintenance and use of F-16 fighter jets was announced by Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram during a visit to Odesa. Norway's new assistance of £118.8 million will be disbursed as a grant through the U.S. JUMPSTART mechanism.

"These initiatives increase our defense capabilities, bringing us closer to our strategic goal of a safe sky over Ukraine," said Rustem Umierov. The Norwegian government will officially present these expenditures to the parliament by the end of the fall.

Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umerov. October 2024.

Ukraine. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

In the near future, Norway will transfer six F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. These fighter jets 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. For example, among the countries that will provide Ukraine with F-16s, Denmark has announced 19 aircraft, the Netherlands - 24, and Belgium - 30.

Norwegian F-16 fighter jets.

2017. Photo: Norwegian Ministry of Defense

In Odesa, the Norwegian and Ukrainian defense ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on material cooperation. According to Gram, the agreement will help find alternative solutions to support Ukraine with weapons other than from Norwegian stockpiles.

In addition, the parties agreed on Oslo's assistance in improving the Ukrainian medical service and rehabilitation centers for Ukrainian soldiers.

The first stage involves counseling, training and mentoring in treatment and rehabilitation, according to the Norwegian government.