Norway to hand over six F-16 fighters to Ukraine
Norway has decided to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
This was stated by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Ukrinform reports.
"Ukraine's ability to defend itself against air attacks is crucial in its fight against Russia. Norway has decided to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. We plan to start deliveries of aircraft during 2024," Støre said.
According to him, Norway will also continue to train Ukrainian pilots.
"Russia has been attacking Ukraine from the air since the beginning of the war. These attacks have caused great suffering to the Ukrainian population and resulted in significant material damage. Combined with air defense systems, fighter jets will be vital for Ukrainians to be able to defend themselves against Russian air attacks. Norway has been involved in the training of Ukrainian pilots in Denmark since autumn 2023 and will continue to support training activities in the future," Støre added.
As reported, Norway has joined a number of other countries to provide Ukraine with access to F-16 fighter jets, which are crucial for the country to defend itself against attacks by Russian forces.
In 2023, the Norwegian government decided to provide Ukraine with several F-16s as part of a coalition to support Ukraine's air defense led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States.