F-16 is already on the way: Ukraine and Norway have concluded a strategic defense alliance

During the official visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to Oslo, Ukraine and Norway took a powerful step towards deepening their military partnership by signing a strategic declaration in the field of defense and security.

The document lays the foundation for long-term cooperation — from the development of the defense industry to strengthening energy security and scaling up the production of unmanned technologies.

Drones, technologies and a new quality of war

The key direction of the agreement was the development of joint projects in the field of drones. Ukrainian combat experience gained in confronting Russian aggression is already attracting interest outside Europe, in particular in the Middle East.

According to Zelensky, the parties have initiated a new format of cooperation — the Drone Deal, which will allow:

to scale up the production of drones;

to strengthen protection against Iranian kamikaze drones;

to integrate Ukrainian technologies into the European security system.
Equal partnership

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that the cooperation is mutually beneficial. According to him, Norway not only provides assistance, but also receives unique experience in modern warfare.

“We learn from Ukraine as much as we support it,” the head of the Norwegian government emphasized.

F-16: a matter of time

Special attention during the negotiations was paid to the transfer of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters.

The Norwegian side confirmed:

the aircraft have already been transferred to the ownership of Ukraine;

they have undergone deep modernization in Belgium;

the first fighter will soon enter combat duty as part of the Ukrainian Air Force.

Zelensky noted that Ukraine was fully informed about the technical condition of the aircraft and supports the approach to their high-quality preparation before use.

A strategic signal to Europe

This visit was Zelensky’s fourth to Norway and finally consolidated Oslo’s status as one of Ukraine’s key allies in the field of high-tech defense.

The deepening of cooperation demonstrates an important trend: Ukraine is gradually becoming not only a recipient of assistance, but also a full-fledged partner in the formation of a new European security system.