— We must discuss the number of aircraft and how they are to be phased in with Ukraine and our allies. But Ukraine can count on Norway to contribute, says Støre to the news agency NTB.
Norway thus becomes the third NATO country to send F-16s to Ukraine. Denmark and the Netherlands have previously announced that they are sending F-16s to the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says it is an “important and historic decision”.
— We have three countries so far that have said they will give us F-16 planes: Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. We are very grateful to these countries, says Zelensky, according to NTB.
“Has Resilience”
Jonas Gahr Støre was in Kiev when Ukraine celebrates its independence day on Thursday.
— We are in a large European capital, with an almost normal city life on a public holiday. That says something about the power of self-preservation. They are exposed to drones and robots but have a resilience in their everyday lives, Støre told VG during his visit to Kiev.
The Norwegian government has also presented a new support package to Ukraine. It contains, among other things, anti-aircraft robots, demining equipment and around NOK 1.5 billion to secure Ukraine’s energy supply.
Pilots are trained
The United States will begin training Ukrainian F-16 pilots in September, the Pentagon announced at the same time. The F-16 is an American fighter jet.
— The pilots will receive training in the English language at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before they can begin training to fly the F-16 in Arizona, says Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder according to AFP.
The first batch of Ukrainian pilots were confirmed ready for F-16 training just before the summer.