Norway's F‑16 boost to Ukraine: Stealthy deliveries by 2025
Norway plans to deliver all promised F-16 fighters to Ukraine by the end of 2025. For security reasons, both the exact delivery schedule and the number of aircraft covered by the agreement are being kept secret.
This information was reported by Norwegian media, citing Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik. The process of transferring the F-16s to Ukraine is proceeding as planned; however, for security reasons, the Norwegian government does not intend to disclose any details.
Norwegian F-16s for Ukraine
It is known that Norway is transferring F-16s that were retired from service in 2021. These are fully operational aircraft, which were replaced in the Norwegian Air Force by the newer F-35s.
Norway is one of four countries that have confirmed the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine. In February of this year, Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that Kyiv had already received 12 out of 19 Danish F-16s.
At the beginning of this year, the Ukrainian Air Force also received a second batch of F-16s from the Netherlands. The first Dutch F-16s were transferred to the front in early October 2024. The Netherlands has revealed it will deliver a total of 24 such fighters to Ukraine.
International support coalition
The last country wanting to support Ukraine with such aircraft is facing greater challenges. This concerns Belgium, whose authorities have announced that they will deliver only two F-16s this year, one of which will be used for spare parts. Belgium plans to begin mass transferring F-16s to Ukraine only after receiving F-35s, for which it has been waiting for years.
Ukrainian pilots praise the F-16 fighters for the capabilities they provide. These US-made combat aircraft participate in daily operations over Ukraine, effectively eliminating missile threats and even conducting offensive attacks in eastern Ukraine. They also provide air cover for other aircraft used by Ukrainians, such as the MiG-29, Su-27, and Su-25.
