NATO has officially announced the deployment of F-16 fighter jets to aid in the country’s war against Russia.
The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre made the announcement on Wednesday that Norway will be donating six F-16 fighter jets to aid in Ukraine’s defense against “Russian aggression.”
He said, “Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against attacks from the air is absolutely crucial in its defensive battle against Russia.”
While the exact timeline for the donation was not disclosed, the Prime Minister said, “we aim to start the donations during 2024.”
This move follows Russian President Putin’s earlier warning that F-16s would be considered legitimate targets, even on third-country airfields.
Putin had also cautioned that NATO’s supply of F-16s would be seen as a significant escalation, potentially leading to a broader conflict.
Oil rich Norway would be the third European country after the Netherlands and Denmark to donate F-16 planes to Ukraine.