Norway will complete the delivery of all promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2025. This was confirmed by Norwegian Defense Minister Ture Sandvik in an interview with NRK. He noted that some aircraft have already been handed over to Ukraine, with the remaining jets scheduled to arrive later, but all deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“The transfer of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding according to plan. However, for operational security reasons and in coordination with Ukraine, we will not disclose the exact number of aircraft delivered,” emphasized Ture Sandvik.
The defense minister also highlighted that last year Norway decided to increase support for Ukraine’s air defense by 1.3 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately €112 million). This funding has helped strengthen Ukraine’s ability to repel Russian attacks. “With this contribution, Norway is enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in cooperation with other members of the Air Defense Coalition,” the minister emphasized.
Recently, it was reported that the Norwegian company Griff Aviation developed the GRIFF 60 cargo drone for the Ukrainian military. The delivery is being coordinated by the Norwegian volunteer organization Fritt Ukraine. According to the manufacturer’s website, the GRIFF 60 is an upgraded version of the Griff 30, featuring eight rotors and larger batteries, which increase its payload capacity from 30 kg to 60 kg.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force Command announced on their official Facebook page that contact was lost with an F-16 aircraft during the night of May 16. The post stated that the fighter was carrying out a mission to repel an enemy air attack. “According to preliminary information, the pilot destroyed three aerial targets and was engaging a fourth using the aircraft’s cannon. However, an emergency occurred onboard. The pilot diverted the plane away from populated areas and successfully ejected,” the Air Force Command said.
It was reported that the search and rescue team quickly located and evacuated the pilot. His life and health are not at risk, and he is currently in a safe location. A special commission has been appointed to investigate all the circumstances of the incident.
Source: united24media
