Norway to relocate Ukrainian F-16 pilot training from Denmark to Portugal
Photo: The training will continue in Denmark until the end of the year (Getty Images)
Starting in 2025, the Norwegian Armed Forces will support their instructors in training Ukrainian F-16 pilots in Portugal. The next training program phase will be in this country, according to Norway’s Ministry of Defense.
The ministry stated that until the end of 2024, Norway will train Ukrainian pilots in Denmark. The country has provided aircraft and instructors for these training sessions since the fall of 2023. Beginning in 2025, the training will transition to Portugal as it becomes Portugal's turn to take over.
"The government has set aside funds to support the training of Ukrainian pilots and ground crews also in 2025. At the turn of the year, F-16 training in Denmark will be discontinued. From the new year, the Armed Forces will, therefore, instead contribute instructors to the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots in Portugal," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
The Ministry of Defense website also noted that this training is part of Norway’s contribution to the Air Defense Coalition, where nations are assisting in the development of Ukraine’s Air Force.
"I am very proud of the efforts that the Norwegian personnel have made to provide Ukrainian fighter pilots, technicians, and ground personnel with the best possible training. Now Portugal is taking over the baton from Denmark, albeit for a shorter period," emphasized the Norwegian Defense Minister.
As a reminder, about a week ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had received the second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark. He added that the Western aircraft are already on Ukrainian soil.
At the same time, jets from Denmark's first delivery are already intercepting Russian missiles and saving the lives of Ukrainians while protecting critical infrastructure.
