Multiple local media sources have stated that Norway has decided to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
This move, first reported by TV2 and then confirmed by NRK and Aftenposten, would make Norway the third NATO country, following the Netherlands and Denmark, to contribute F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine. Approached by Agence France-Presse, a Norwegian Ministry of Defense spokesperson did not want to “neither confirm nor deny” that information.
The unconfirmed decision came on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24, 2023, as Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre embarked on an official visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
On August 20, 2023, Denmark and the Netherlands announced in a joint statement that they would deliver their respective F-16 fleet to Ukraine. Denmark will supply a total of 19 F-16 fighters to Kyiv. The Netherlands did not specify how many aircraft would be supplied, but 42 are available.
Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands have all transitioned from the F-16 to the F-35 Lightning II.