Illustration of F-16 and NASAMS air defence system: TimeUkraineIsrael
According to TimeUkraineIsrael, citing a statement by Hennadiy Kovalenko, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, at the Kyiv Security Forum, Norway will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package that includes advanced F-16 fighter jets and NASAMS air defence systems. During his visit to Odesa, Norwegian Defence Minister Bern Arild Gram personally inspected Ukraine’s defence industry infrastructure and the situation at the frontline.
During his visit to Odesa, Gram visited a rehabilitation centre for the military and also examined the situation on Ukraine’s borders. According to Kovalenko, Norway is preparing to allocate €500 million to support Ukraine, which will be a significant step in strengthening the country’s security and help modernise the Ukrainian defence industry.
Transfer of F-16s and expansion of Ukraine’s defence capabilities
During a meeting with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Gram confirmed that Norway plans to provide six F-16s to Ukraine by the end of 2024. Umerov expressed his gratitude for the support, stressing that the new aircraft and air defence systems will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies from air attacks. Along with the delivery of the fighter jets, Norway is providing $118.8 million for the purchase of weapons and spare parts, which will allow Ukraine to maintain the new aircraft’s high combat readiness in all conditions.
“Today, I was impressed by the scale of your defence industry and your innovative approach to the production of military resources,” said Gram during a joint inspection of Ukraine’s defence enterprises.
Investments in the Ukrainian defence sector
Norway is not limited to providing military equipment and funding; the country has also expressed its readiness to invest in Ukraine’s defence industry. This step, according to experts, will increase the level of technological cooperation between the two countries and allow Ukraine to strengthen its defence capabilities.
Norway has joined the International Aviation Coalition, which actively supports Ukraine. In July, the Norwegian government approved the transfer of six F-16s to the Ukrainian army. The first planes are due to arrive in 2024, and this will be an important milestone in training Ukrainian pilots to operate modern fighters. In addition to Norway, the Netherlands has offered its assistance in the form of F-16s, having already delivered the first batch of aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Ukraine will have the right to use the transferred fighter jets to defend its territory, which is legitimate under international law. This step expands the country’s defence capabilities and increases the effectiveness of countering potential aggressors.
