Norway to send F-16s to Ukraine, quantity and time unspecified
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If it goes through, Norway would be the third NATO country following the Netherlands and Denmark to transfer the jets to Ukraine, especially after the US approved it.
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This image released by the US Department of Defense shows a US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons departing Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on February 11, 2022 (AFP)
Norwegian broadcaster TV2 cited separate sources on Thursday that the government decided to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed the news later in the day.
If it goes through, Norway would be the third NATO country following the Netherlands and Denmark to transfer the jets to Ukraine, especially after the US approved it.
Norwegian newspaper VG cited the PM as saying: "We intend to transfer F-16s to Ukraine. But we will be back later on the quantity and timeline for deliveries."
This update comes after the US State Department announced on Friday that it would allow the Netherlands and Denmark to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets but only once the country's pilots are trained to operate them, as both European nations are leading the training programs.
"This way, Ukraine can take full advantage of its new capabilities as soon as the first set of pilots complete their training," a State Department spokesperson said.
Read next: West 'playing with fire' over plans to send F-16s to Ukraine: Lavrov
It remains unclear how long it will be before the first set of Ukrainian pilots are completely ready to fly the jets, with officials hoping for pilots to be ready by 2024, while training by an 11-nation coalition is due to start this month.
Despite their proficiency in English, these pilots are required to undertake a four-month English course in the United Kingdom to grasp the aviation-specific terminology necessary for operating the jets.
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian President has been desperate for fighter jets, repeatedly pushing for advanced Western jets, but Kiev's international supporters had balked at doing so until recently.
"We have freedom, give us wings to protect it," Zelensky told UK Members of Parliament as he toured European countries in the hope of securing fighter jets back in February.
Just on Monday, Russia's ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin said: "The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict."
Read more: F-16 jets in Ukraine to be considered as 'nuclear' threat: Russian FM
