Oslo to deploy F-35 fighters to protect Polish airspace and support Ukraine
Oslo has decided to send F-35 fighter jets to Poland to protect a key transport hub used for aid to Ukraine. The aircraft will arrive in the fall.
Photo: regjeringen.no
Norway will strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and its support for Ukraine by deploying F-35 fighter jets this fall to the Rzeszów airbase in Poland.
This was announced on June 30 by Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik. He noted that this is a strategically important location through which most military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is transported.
“We are helping to ensure that support reaches Ukraine while also strengthening the security of Polish airspace,” Sandvik stated.
The mission is part of NATO's integrated air and missile defense system. The number of aircraft and the exact deployment timeline are not disclosed for security reasons.
The Norwegian side emphasizes that participation in the operation will not affect the country’s internal defense capabilities. All actions are pre-coordinated with military command and allies.
In doing so, Oslo demonstrates not only solidarity with Poland and Ukraine, but also its readiness to fulfill NATO obligations.
It was previously reported that Norway will invest 6.5 billion kroner in the purchase of drones from Ukrainian and European manufacturers to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and support its defense industry — the largest drone-related contribution by Oslo since the start of the war.
It also became known that in 2025 NATO will establish a new forward land forces unit in Lapland — near the Russian border. The project involves seven countries: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, France, Iceland, Norway, and the United Kingdom.