Norwegian F-16s for Ukraine will soon be operational, says Støre
The first of the six F-16 fighter jets that Norway has already transferred to Ukraine will soon be ready to carry out combat missions following the completion of maintenance.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre made this announcement during a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to him, the aircraft have already been officially transferred to Ukraine’s ownership but are currently undergoing comprehensive repairs and preparation abroad.
“Norway has transferred six F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. These are aircraft that were no longer in use in Norway—because we have had the F-35 for several years now. They required significant repairs and preparation to be put into service with the Ukrainian Air Force… These aircraft are now owned by Ukraine; they are being repaired and maintained by technicians in Belgium under an agreement concluded with the participation of the United States and Ukraine. I think the first of these aircraft will be ready to perform missions soon,” Støre noted.
He clarified that maintenance of the fighter jets is ongoing in Belgium as part of international cooperation. The exact dates for the aircraft’s entry into service are not being disclosed at this time.
Belgium and Norway have not yet transferred any aircraft due to the technical re-equipment of their own forces and a critical shortage of spare parts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre signed declarations on defense partnership on April 14.
