Norway’s first F-16 is set to arrive in Ukraine soon: what we know
15 April 07:20
The first of the F-16 fighter jets promised by Norway will soon arrive in Ukraine. This was announced by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to the Norwegian prime minister, the aircraft are already the property of Ukraine and are currently undergoing repairs and preparation for operation.
This statement sent an important signal amid the long wait for the transfer of Norwegian F-16s to the Ukrainian military.
What Norway said about the F-16s for Ukraine
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that the first fighter jets promised to Ukraine will soon be ready.
According to him, this involves a total of six F-16 aircraft.
Støre explained that these are not aircraft from active combat service, as Norway has already transitioned to the more modern F-35s. That is why the fighter jets required separate preparation and repairs before being transferred to Ukraine.
Why the Norwegian F-16s have not yet been transferred to Ukraine
Earlier, media reports indicated that Norway had announced its intention to transfer F-16s to Ukraine as early as 2022–2023. However, as of early April 2026, none of these aircraft had actually been delivered.
Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik previously explained the reason for the delay. According to him, all the fighter jets promised to Ukraine are currently undergoing maintenance at the Belgian SABENA service center, where they are being prepared for further operation.
Where are the aircraft now?
According to Jonas Gar Støre, the Norwegian F-16s are currently being repaired and prepared by technicians in Belgium.
The Norwegian Prime Minister emphasized:
“These are aircraft that were not in active service in Norway because we already have the F-35. Therefore, they had to be prepared and repaired. Other countries transferred aircraft directly from combat-ready status. These aircraft are now the property of Ukraine. They are being repaired and prepared by technicians in Belgium as part of agreements with the U.S. and Ukraine. And the first of them will be ready soon.”
What Zelenskyy said about the transfer of F-16s
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Norway for its decision to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
The head of state noted:
“We understand that they require repairs. After repairs, they will arrive in Ukraine.”
Why these planes need repairs
The unique feature of the Norwegian F-16s is that they are not being transferred directly from combat service, as was the case with some other countries.
Since Norway already uses the F-35, its older F-16 fighters were not in active service. Before being transferred to Ukraine, these aircraft needed not only to be inspected but also prepared for operation, undergoing necessary repairs and technical upgrades.
That is why the transfer process is taking longer than previously expected.
How many F-16s did Norway promise Ukraine?
In total, Norway has promised Ukraine six F-16 fighter jets.
These aircraft are to become part of a broader international program to support Ukrainian combat aviation, under which partners provide not only equipment but also maintenance, repairs, spare parts, and training.
What else is known about the Norwegian F-16s
Earlier, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik reported that Norway had transferred 32 F-16 fighter jets, which were in the best condition, to Romania to strengthen NATO.
This means that Ukraine is set to receive other aircraft that require more extensive preparation before they can be fully operational.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
