Norway Boosts F-16 Pledge to Ukraine, Expands Fighter Jet Support
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed the country will provide six of its Royal Norwegian Air Force's (RNoAF) mothballed F-16As to Ukraine, in addition to two previous jets pledged. This decision brings the total number of F-16s Norway has committed to Ukraine to eight, as part of a broader NATO effort to support the country. Meanwhile, France is reportedly offering Ukraine other fighter jets, expanding the range of NATO member support for Ukraine's military.
Key Takeaways:
- Norway will provide six additional F-16As to Ukraine, in addition to two previously pledged jets, bringing the total number of F-16s to eight.
- The Royal Norwegian Air Force has 20 mothballed F-16As in storage, with an average aircraft age of 41 years old.
- Norway's Defence Material Agency restored two F-16As to flight status last year, which were then delivered to Denmark for Ukrainian training and maintenance.
- Denmark and the Netherlands have committed F-16s to Ukraine, with 39 F-35As and 10 F-35As respectively.
- Ukraine will also receive fighter jets from France as part of NATO efforts.
- Norway's commitment to Ukraine marks a significant expansion of the country's military support to NATO member Denmark and the Netherlands.
- The F-16As Norway is providing to Ukraine are part of the US military's F-16 inventory, with 32 aircraft already sold to Romania.
Statistics:
- Total number of F-16s Norway has pledged to Ukraine: 8
- Total number of F-16s Norway has in storage: 20
- Average age of mothballed F-16As: 41 years
- Number of F-35As operated by the Netherlands: 39
- Number of F-35A operated by Denmark: 10
- Number of F-16A sold to Romania by Norway: 32
Sources:
- Cirium
- Norwegian Ministry of Defence
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store
- Danish Government
- Dutch Government