Norway's covert timeline: F‑16 fighters en route to Ukraine
Norway plans to deliver all promised F-16 fighters to Ukraine by the end of 2025. For security reasons, the exact delivery schedule and the number of these combat aircraft covered by the agreement are kept secret.
Norwegian media reported this information, citing Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik. Transferring the F-16s to Ukraine is set to proceed as planned. However, the Norwegian government does not intend to disclose any details for security reasons.
Norwegian F-16s for Ukraine
Norway is transferring F-16s that were retired from service in 2021. These fully operational machines 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 this year, Denmark's Defence 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 24 such fighters to Ukraine.
International support coalition
The last country that wants to support Ukraine with such aircraft faces greater challenges. This concerns Belgium, whose authorities have announced that they will only deliver two F-16s this year, one of which will be used for spare parts. Belgium plans to mass transfer 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 their capabilities. 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 Ukrainians use, such as the MiG-29, Su-27, and Su-25.
