Norway to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots in Portugal

Norway will relocate the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots from Denmark to Portugal starting in early 2025.

Source: Norwegian Defence Ministry 

Quote from Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram: "The government has allocated funds to support the training of Ukrainian pilots and ground crews in 2025.

F-16 training in Denmark will cease at the beginning of the year. The Norwegian Armed Forces will instead provide instructors for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots in Portugal from the new year."

Details: The Norwegian Defence Ministry stated that the training is part of Norway's contribution to the Air Defence Coalition, through which countries support the further development of Ukraine's Air Force, including the transfer of fighter jets.

Norway has been supplying aircraft and instructors to assist with the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots since the autumn of 2023.

Quote from Gram: "Portugal is picking up the baton from Denmark, though for a shorter period of time. After that, it will depend on the Air Defence Coalition where the training will take place in the future."

Background: The Norwegian parliament on 28 November approved increasing support for Ukraine to NOK 35 billion (approximately US$3.16 billion) in 2025.

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