Norway has officially transferred F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but the aircraft remain under repair before they can be operational. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that these jets had not been in active service with the Norwegian military for several years, as the country has shifted to newer F-35 models.
To enable Ukrainian forces to utilize the Norwegian F-16s, extensive repairs and preparations are required. Støre noted that other countries supplying F-16s to Ukraine have done so directly from their operational fleets, allowing for quicker deployment to Ukrainian pilots.
“Now they belong to Ukraine, and they are being repaired and prepared for operation by Belgian technical specialists under an agreement with the U.S. and Ukraine. I believe the first of these aircraft will be ready for use soon, but they are already part of the Ukrainian Air Force,” Støre emphasized.
Previously reported by NRK, six F-16 fighters officially transferred by Norway are not yet engaged in combat missions. All aircraft are currently in maintenance facilities operated by Sabena in Belgium due to poor technical condition and insufficient maintenance capacity.
As expectations rise for enhanced air defense capabilities, it has been revealed that four of the aircraft were delivered to Belgium in disassembled states, unable to fly independently. Experts estimate that the jets are missing approximately 100 critical components, and the assembly and modernization process could take an additional year.
Norway has transferred F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but repairs are delaying their operational readiness. The aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance in Belgium, with significant parts missing and assembly expected to take up to a year.