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
-
![Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs]()
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
![Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
