Norway has stepped forward with a significant contribution to Ukraine’s military capabilities by agreeing to donate 22 F-16 fighter jets, in a move that underscores the deepening involvement of NATO countries in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. This contribution is part of a larger collective effort by NATO allies to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force, which has been primarily equipped with Soviet-era aircraft.
The 22 F-16s, a mix of single-seat fighters and twin-seat fighter/trainer jets, are part of a transfer that includes 12 fully combat-capable aircraft, with another 10 that may require substantial overhauls. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense has confirmed that engines, auxiliary materials, simulators, spare parts, and other essential equipment will accompany the aircraft to ensure their operational readiness.
As reported by Nettavisen, these F-16s have been upgraded with modern 2000s-era electronics and sensors, potentially enhancing the Ukrainian Air Force’s technological edge. Despite the acknowledgement that Russia’s most advanced fighters possess superior radars and sensors, the avionics package of the F-16s—particularly the AN/APG-66(V)2 radar and modern targeting pods—will provide Ukrainian pilots with powerful strike capabilities.
The transfer has the approval of the United States, with the Deputy head of the Pentagon, Celeste Wallander, stating, “We support the provision of F-16s to [Ukraine] by European countries, and the number that they are going to provide corresponds to the request of the Ukrainians at the moment.” The US green light is essential, as the F-16 is an American-built fighter jet.
The integration of these F-16s into the Ukrainian Air Force is part of a broader initiative that includes additional F-16 donations from the Netherlands and Denmark, amounting to a total of 65 aircraft authorized for transfer. Belgium and Romania have also pledged to support Ukraine’s operation of these jets through armaments or training facilities.
It is not just the acquisition of the aircraft that is critical but also the training and adaptation of Ukrainian personnel. NATO forces commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, reported that Ukrainian pilots and ground crew are already engaged in training at multiple bases within the Alliance. This training is multi-faceted, involving the transition from Soviet-era airframes to modern NATO-standard combat jets and necessitating proficiency in military aviation-capable English.
As per Ukrainian mil-bloggers, the initial batch of six F-16s, along with their pilots and ground crew, is expected to arrive in Ukraine during the months of June or July. Previous estimates had anticipated their arrival in April or May.
Relevant articles:
– Norway to Transfer 22 F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine
– Norway to send 22 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine after US approval, Army Recognition, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:51:34 GMT
– Media: Norway plans to transfer more than 20 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Militarnyi, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:30:47 GMT
– Norway Donates 22 F16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine, Taarifa News, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:31:02 GMT