Norway to equip Ukraine with upgraded F-16s — Norwegian FM

Norway will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry capable of striking along the front lines, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said during a briefing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

"Ukraine needs to be able to strengthen its capability to strike behind enemy lines," Eide said.

"Which is one of the reasons we are happy to be contributing to this F-16 fighter jets program where we will donate Norwegian F-16s which are upgraded and in good shape."

Norway, along with colleagues from Denmark and the Netherlands, is currently training Ukrainian pilots, he said.

"There might also be other contributions to more sort of deeper strike capability, which I think is imperative for Ukraine," Eide said.

Eide did not specify how many fighter jets would be transferred to Ukraine but said it would be a "significant number."

"When it comes to how many (F-16s) come from Norway, I cannot right now give you an exact number because it will include planes that are upgraded, in fighting condition, and probably also some planes that can be used for repairs," he said.

The F-16 is a very advanced system, and its effectiveness depends on how it's equipped, Eide

Read also: Ukraine’s path to F-16 acquisition: Military expert reveals key conditions

"As a system, it will be a significant contribution," he said.

"The planes that are supposed to fly will be in top upgraded modern condition."

F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine

The United States has authorized Denmark and the Netherlands to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. This was confirmed when the Netherlands and Denmark announced they would provide Ukraine with 61 F-16 aircraft — 42 and 19, respectively, on Aug. 20, 2023.

Norway and Belgium have also confirmed their intentions to supply F-16 jets to Ukraine, with Belgium's contributions starting in 2025.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported on Jan. 10 that Ukrainian pilots are still being trained on F-16 fighters in different programs worldwide.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said on March 20 that Ukraine would receive its first F-16 fighter jets this summer, with the first batch of aircraft coming from Denmark.

The UK government announced on March 22 that the first 10 Ukrainian pilots had completed basic flight, ground, and language training on F-16 fighters in Britain. The military will now move on to advanced flight training provided by the French Air Force.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on March 27 that Western F-16 fighter jets should appear in Ukraine's skies in mid-summer.

Media reported on April 2 that Greece may send 32 F-16C/D Block 30 fighters to Ukraine. They have undergone two modernizations and have reached 60% of their service life. Greece may also transfer 24 Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 aircraft to Ukraine or sell them to India with the permission of France.

Read also:

• F-16 no ‘silver bullet’ for Ukraine against Russia — Stoltenberg

• Ukraine’s F-16 pilots near completion, sharpening skills to target Shahed UAVs and missiles

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine