Norway wants to give Ukraine six F-16 fighter jets
Norway NATO member will transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The first jets are expected to be delivered this year. The ability of Ukraine to defend against air attacks in its defense battle against Russia is of absolute decisive importance, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated.
It has been known for a while that Norway intends to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets as part of an international coalition. However, the timing and exact number of aircraft were previously unclear. Although several countries have pledged to deliver the fighter jets, none have arrived in Ukraine yet.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington that Ukraine hopes to receive the first F-16 aircraft this summer. At a minimum, his country attacked by Russia needs 128 fighter jets.
Norway, according to government statements, retired its F-16s in 2021 as part of the introduction of new combat jets of the F-35 type. Thirty-two of these were reportedly sold to Romania.
The transfer of six F-16 fighter jets from Norway to Ukraine is scheduled for this year, contributing to Ukraine's defense against air attacks. Despite several commitments from countries, Ukraine is still waiting for the delivery of any F-16 fighter aircraft. The retired Norwegian F-16s, which were replaced by F-35s in 2021, included thirty-two units that were sold to Romania.
