More F-16 fighter jets

Norway joins Denmark and Netherlands in donating F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

From James Frater, Catherine Nicholls and Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou in London

Norway will be donating F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the country’s prime minister announced on Thursday.

“We are planning to donate Norwegian F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and will provide further details about the donation, numbers and time frame for delivery in due course,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.

Norway is the third country in Europe, along with Denmark and the Netherlands, to pledge to provide Ukraine with the fighter jets. Norway announced its plans to support the training of Ukrainian personnel on F-16 fighter jets in May.

“Norway is supporting Ukraine in its efforts to build a modern air defense system. This is both important and necessary,” Støre said.

Norway also announced on Thursday that it will be donating anti-aircraft missiles and de-mining sets to Ukraine, as well as 1.5 billion NOK ($140.5 million) to secure gas and electricity supply in the country. 

This brings the total value of Norway’s support over five years to 75 billion NOK (more than $7 billion), a statement on Norway’s government website said.