Norway will soon hand over six F-16s to Ukraine, - Umerov

Ukraine will receive F-16 fighter jets from Norway. Six aircraft will be delivered in the near future.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Facebook.

Umerov said that during a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, he held talks with Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram. The Ukrainian official thanked the Norwegian government and people for their unprecedented support of Ukraine.

The ministers discussed the current situation at the frontline and Ukraine's needs, particularly in the area of long-range weapons. Specific agreements were also reached to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.

“A separate focus is the aviation component. In particular, strengthening our capabilities with F-16 fighters. Norway will continue to support and provide Ukraine with six aircraft in the near future,” Umerov said.

According to the Ukrainian Defense Minister, he also discussed the development of the Ukrainian defense industry with his Norwegian counterpart. In particular, Umerov invited Norway to join the direct financing of Ukrainian defense companies, as Denmark has already done.

At the same time, the Ukrainian defense minister offered Norway to train and provide equipment for one brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. France is currently taking this initiative.

By the way, Norway announced the transfer of six F-16 aircraft to Ukraine in July. At the time, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre assured that deliveries would begin this year.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 18/10/2024