Norway delivers F-16s to Denmark for Ukraine training mission
6 January, 2024 F-16 of Norway with the number 689, which arrived in Denmark for training of Ukrainian pilots. January 2024. Denmark.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Norway The Norwegian Air Force has delivered two F-16 fighter jets to Denmark for training of Ukrainian pilots. The Norwegian Armed Forces reported about this on X (Twitter).
The landing of the Norwegian F-16s in Denmark "was an important step in our ongoing support for Ukraine," the statement says. "After over 40 years in service, these aircrafts will now train Ukrainian military personnel, reinforcing our commitment to Ukraine's defense," added the Norwegian Armed Forces. Norway announced this week that it would send two F-16 fighter jets to Denmark for training of Ukrainian pilots in their use, and confirmed that it would send 10 instructors to Denmark to help with the training.
F-16 of Norway, which arrived in Denmark for training of Ukrainian pilots. January 2024. Denmark.Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Norway
Belgium will also send two F-16 fighter jets and about fifty personnel to Denmark between March and September to train Ukrainian pilots. Ukrainian pilots are being or will be trained in the USA, Romania, Denmark, France and the UK. In the UK, six Ukrainians completed basic training, including learning English, before Christmas.
Last year, Norway announced that it would join Denmark, the Netherlands, and other countries in providing fighter jets for Ukraine's needs.
Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon fighters from the 331st Squadron of the 132nd Air Wing of the Norwegian Air Force, 2017. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of NorwayNorway decommissioned its F-16s in January 2022, and in November of the same year, Romania and Norway signed a EUR388 million deal to sell 32 fighter jets. Norway has received about 60 F-16As and 14 F-16Bs during the entire period of operation.
The exact number of aircraft remaining at Norway's disposal after the decommissioning and selling of part of the Romanian fleet is unknown.
Norwegian F-16 fighter with number 1606, which is transferred to the Romanian Air Force. November 2023.Norway.
Photo credits: Ministry of National Defence of Romania
It is known for certain that fighter jets purchased by Romania have the M6.5.2 upgrade package under the MLU program.
This means that fighter jets can use a wide range of different missile and bomb weapons and have updated avionics.