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
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
