Norway has transferred or planned to transfer 14 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine — over double the six publicly declared — according to its annual arms export report.
Russia continues its deliberate daily air attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, particularly targeting energy infrastructure and apartment buildings, aiming to disrupt civilian life. Such attacks involve missiles, and dozens to hundreds of explosive drones. Fighter jets, such as F-16, are instrumental as the last line of air defense against the missiles and drones.
According to Militarnyi, the official report on Norway’s conventional arms exports suggests that the country has planned to send 14 F-16s to Ukraine, despite only announcing six publicly. The status of the eight unannounced aircraft is not specified.
Condition of additional Norwegian F-16s unclear
It is likely, based on the report’s context, that these jets are not flight-capable and are intended for technical staff training, spare parts, or use as decoys, Militarnyi notes, adding that the possibility that some of the additional jets could be restored and made operational is not ruled out.
Norway previously stated that it would only provide operational aircraft that were withdrawn from service in 2021.
In mid-May, the Norwegian government reported that all promised F-16s would be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the current year. However, delivery dates for the eight unannounced jets remain unclear.
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Dutch, Danish, and Belgian F-16s for Ukraine
- As of May, the last Dutch F-16 fighters designated for Ukraine reportedly left the Netherlands. Despite completing the physical transfer of its pledged 24 jets, the Dutch Defense Ministry emphasized that its support continues, including training personnel and providing spare parts, ammunition, and fuel.
- Denmark’s delivery is ongoing in three phases, as previously agreed. By February, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that Ukraine had already received 12 out of 19 promised fighters.
- Additionally, Belgium is expected to send two F-16s to Ukraine in 2025, with one aircraft designated for dismantling and use as a source of spare parts.
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