Norway to contribute F-35s and NASAMS air defence to Poland
The contribution in Rzeszów, Poland, by Norway will see it assume responsibility for the airport for the transportation of civilian and military materials to Ukraine. (Photo: Ole Andreas Vekve/Forsvaret)
The Scandinavian country will help to safeguard Polish airspace and ensure aid to Ukraine reaches its destination.
Norway has announced that it will take up air defence responsibilities in Poland, safeguarding the airspace above the airport in Rzeszów, Poland. It will send around 100 troops, NASAMS air defence systems and F-35A fighter jets its Ministry of Defence said on 2 December.
The country will take up this responsibility in early December 2024 until Easter, when various other NATO nations will swap out to provide Poland with protection.
“Norway contributes to ensuring that aid to Ukraine reaches its destination, allowing Ukraine to continue its fight for freedom,” said Norway Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated the value of air defence, and the Norwegian contribution in Poland is highly appreciated,” he added. “We are doing this primarily for Ukraine and Poland, but it also shows that we stand by our commitments within NATO.”
In June 2024, Norway gained approval for a US$1.9 billion purchase of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, for use with NASAMs as well as possibly with its fleet of F-35As. According to Shephard Defence Insight, Norway purchased 52 F-35As through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) in 2008 for $11.2 billion – initially for 40 with the addition of a further 12 options.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort]()
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
![UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO]()
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.
-
![UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development]()
UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development
The Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) initiative aims to modernise aviation capabilities to use uncrewed systems where possible, supporting its goal of a hybrid air wing by 2040.
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest]()
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
