Norway confirms delivery of all promised F-16s to Ukraine: When fighter jets will arrive
Photo: Norway will deliver all promised F-16s (Getty Images)
Norway plans to complete the delivery of all promised F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2025, but does not disclose how many aircraft have already arrived in Ukraine, according to Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik, quoted by NRK.
The head of the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the country plans to deliver all the F-16s promised to Ukraine last year by the Norwegian government.
Sandvik noted that "some aircraft" have already been sent to Kyiv, and the remaining deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. However, the minister did not provide further details about the deliveries for security reasons.
"The transfer of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding according to schedule, but for the security of Ukrainian operations and after consultations with the Ukrainian side, we are not disclosing the number of aircraft delivered," Sandvik stated.
At the same time, the defense minister recalled Norway's support for Ukraine's air defense forces — last year, the government allocated an additional 1.3 billion kroner.
"With this contribution, Norway is helping to improve Ukraine’s air defense system in cooperation with other members of the Air Defense Coalition," Sandvik emphasized.
F-16s for Ukraine
Norway is providing military assistance to Ukraine and has joined the Air Force Coalition.
Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets from its partners in the summer of last year. Initially, this was reported by Western media, and a few days later, the information was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In October of last year, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that Norway would soon deliver six F-16s to Ukraine.
However, the exact number of fighter jets already provided to Ukrainian defenders remains unknown. It was reported, though, that the jets have already taken part in defending Ukrainian airspace during massive Russian attacks.
Additionally, on March 19 of this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a new batch of F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine.
At the beginning of April, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher Cavoli said that additional F-16s were being prepared for transfer to Ukraine, although he did not specify which country was planning to make the delivery.
