Norway Allocates New Funds for Training of Ukrainian F-16 Pilots

The Norwegian government has allocated funds to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots and technicians.

The Norwegian Defense Ministry said that the training will be moved to Portugal.

The training will take place at the facilities of the Portuguese Air Force, as Denmark and Norway have abandoned their own training infrastructure for the F-16.

The Norwegian Air Force is actively transitioning to 5th generation F-35A fighters.

Since the fall of 2023, Norway has provided aircraft and instructors to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots in Denmark.

The training is part of Norway’s contribution to the Coalition, where countries contribute to Ukraine’s further development, including through donations of fighter jets.

The Norwegian company Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services also provided personnel for technical training of Ukrainians.

“Portugal is now taking over the baton from Denmark, albeit for a shorter period,” Norway said.

In October, Norway prepared six F-16 fighter jets for transfer to Ukraine.

These fighters were part of the Norwegian Air Force and were decommissioned in 2021.

Norway will also allocate funds for the purchase of weapons and spare parts for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

In December, the Ukrainian Air Force received the second batch of Danish F-16 fighter jets. The fighter jets from the first batch have already been shooting down Russian missiles, protecting citizens and important facilities.