Norway plans to complete the transfer of all promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2025. The information was confirmed by Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik in a statement released by public broadcaster NRK.
According to Sandvik, the process is proceeding according to the established schedule, although the government has opted not to publicly disclose the exact number of aircraft already delivered, citing operational security reasons.
+ Ukrainian drone shoots down Russian Ka-52 helicopter: video shows attack in the Kursk region
The plan includes the donation of six F-16 fighters, all of which were decommissioned in 2021 and later refurbished. The Norwegian government emphasizes that only aircraft in full combat condition are being transferred to Ukraine.
International coalition strengthens Ukrainian fleet
Norway joins Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium in a joint effort to bolster Ukraine’s combat aviation amid the war with Russia. In February, Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that 12 of the 19 F-16 jets promised by his country had already been delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force.
In addition, the Netherlands delivered a second batch of aircraft during the same period. The country has committed to providing 24 F-16s as part of its military aid package, having begun transfers in October 2024.
Denmark and the Netherlands are leading the international coalition responsible for training Ukrainian pilots and technical crews to operate the F-16s, which are key to strengthening the country’s air defense.
Belgium is also part of the initiative and has announced the delivery of two jets later in 2025 — one of which will be used as a source of spare parts. The Belgian government has indicated that once it receives its new F-35s, it could begin a larger-scale transfer of F-16s to Ukraine.
With the coalition’s support and accelerated deliveries, Ukraine is significantly expanding its ability to conduct modern air operations with Western-standard aircraft, marking a new stage in the modernization of its Armed Forces.
Source and images: X @Forsvaret_no | militarnyi | nrk. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
