Norway to support training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16

Norway will support the training and education of Ukrainian pilots and personnel on F-16 fighters.

This was stated by Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, NRK reports.

On Wednesday, the head of the Norwegian Defense Ministry informed the parliament about the government's decision to support the training of Ukrainian pilots.

"Norway will consider various ways to promote the education and training of Ukrainian personnel on F-16 fighters," Gram said.

The United States and several European countries have indicated that they are positive about training Ukrainian personnel on the F-16.

According to him, the Norwegian government is positive about the initiative to create a so-called "coalition of fighters". "Together with allies and partners, Norway is now assessing how we can contribute to the training," Gram said.

Norway's F-16s were decommissioned last year after 42 years of service.

In November of the same year, the government signed an agreement with Romania to sell 32 Norwegian F-16s, but the planes are still in Norway. According to the Norwegian Armed Forces, they must undergo extensive modernization before they can be transferred to Romania.

At the same time, Norway has signed a contract with Draken International to sell up to 12 F-16s for pilot training. Both deals are subject to approval by the US and Norwegian authorities, and the procedure is still ongoing.

Author - Olena Madiak, 24/05/2023