Latest news with #ToreO.Sandvik
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norway to complete F-16 deliveries to Ukraine by end of 2025, minister says
Norway will complete its planned deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2025, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik told NRK in an interview published on May 15. Norway confirmed in July 2024 that it would donate several of the U.S.-made aircraft as part of Western efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. Some jets have already been transferred, Sandvik said, but declined to specify the exact number delivered so far, citing operational security concerns and ongoing consultations with Ukrainian officials. "The donation of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding according to plan," Sandvik said. Last year, Norway also boosted its support to the Ukrainian Air Force with an additional 1.3 billion kroner (around $120 million), aimed at enhancing Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks. "With this contribution, Norway is helping to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, in cooperation with other members of the Air Force Coalition," Sandvik said. Norway is part of the international F-16 coalition, alongside 10 other countries, that has been training Ukrainian pilots and coordinating the delivery of Western fighter jets to Ukraine. In April, Norway and the U.K. also agreed to provide a 450 million pound ($585 million) military aid package to Ukraine, which included funding for the repair and maintenance of previously supplied vehicles and equipment, and financing for radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones. Read also: Russian fighter jet 'violated NATO territory' after Estonia tried to detain 'shadow fleet' tanker We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine to receive all F-16s pledged by Norway by end of 2025
Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik has confirmed that the delivery of the F-16 fighter jets pledged to Ukraine will be completed in 2025. Source: NRK, a Norwegian public broadcasting company, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Norwegian defence minister stated that Ukraine had received "some aircraft", while the remaining jets will be handed over within 2025. Sandvik added that the transfer of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding as planned, but for operational security reasons and following consultations with Ukraine, the number of aircraft delivered will not be disclosed. He also recalled that in 2024, the Norwegian government increased its support for Ukrainian air defence by NOK 1.3 billion (approx. US$124.8 million). Sandvik stated that with this contribution, Norway is helping to enhance Ukraine's air defence in cooperation with other members of the air defence coalition, an international group focused on supporting and developing Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Background: In July 2024, the Norwegian government decided to provide Ukraine with six F-16 fighter jets. Later that year, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov announced the handover of the first Norwegian fighter jets to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norway pledges around $940 million to train and equip Ukrainian brigade
Norway will allocate 10 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $937 million) in 2025 to help equip and train a Ukrainian military brigade, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik announced on April 11 during a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, according to the Norwegian government. The initiative is part of a broader Nordic-Baltic effort to support Ukraine's land forces. Norway will take the lead role in the training component, working in close coordination with Ukrainian authorities and allied nations. 'Norway stands united with Europe for stronger support for Ukraine, politically, economically, and militarily,' Sandvik said. 'Our contribution is both material from our own defense and acquisitions of ammunition and materiel from Ukrainian and international industry. Not least, we will contribute with training.' Instead of establishing an entirely new brigade, the initiative will concentrate on developing modular units — smaller components designed to integrate into and strengthen Ukraine's existing brigades. These brigades typically comprise 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers and possess a variety of combat capabilities that enable them to operate independently. 'Under Norwegian leadership, the Nordic and Baltic countries work closely with Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the training and equipment meet Ukrainian needs as well as possible,' Sandvik explained. The previous initiatives to have Ukraine's Western backers train and equip new brigades were highly controversial. The 155th Brigade was intended to be a flagship project for Ukrainian brigades trained and armed with the assistance of foreign partners. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June that France would provide training and military supplies as part of this initiative. Despite Paris fulfilling its commitments for training and arms provision, an investigation led by Yurii Butusov, editor-in-chief of Ukrainian media outlet pointed to problems in the brigade's creation and management, allegedly leading to 1,700 cases of soldiers going AWOL from the unit before firing a shot. During the Brussels summit, Sandvik also held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. According to Bloomberg, Norway also joined the U.K. in pledging a joint $585 million military aid package to Ukraine. The U.K. will contribute £350 million ($455 million), while Norway will provide £100 million ($130 million) through the U.K.-led International Fund for package includes support for the repair of previously delivered equipment, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones. Earlier this week, Oslo also committed $454 million to procure artillery shells for Ukraine. Read also: Inside Ukraine's desperate race to train more soldiers We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norway officially joins Ukraine drone coalition
Norway has officially joined the Ukraine drone coalition led by the United Kingdom and Latvia. Source: Norway's Defence Ministry on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik signed the document on joining the coalition in Brussels on 11 April. "Together we are building a strong alliance to support Ukraine. The paperwork for making it official was done by Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik in Brussels this morning," the Defence Ministry tweeted. For reference: The drone coalition, led by the United Kingdom and Latvia, was established in January 2024 to enhance Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities. Background: On 24 March, it was reported that the coalition had allocated €20 million from a joint fund to procure tactical-level reconnaissance drones for the Ukrainian defence forces. On 1 April, it was reported that Latvia had committed to sending a further 1,500 combat drones as supplies to Ukraine's Armed Forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norway Becomes First F-35 Partner Nation to Fulfill its Program of Record
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today completed the delivery of the 51st and 52nd F-35As to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, making Norway the first F-35 partner nation to fulfill its program of record. "The F-35 is the world's best fighter jet and I am very pleased that we will receive the last of the 52 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin that Norway has ordered," said Tore O. Sandvik, Norwegian Minister of Defence. "The aircraft ensure that we can safeguard Norwegian sovereignty and maintain even better control over our areas on land, at sea and in the air." The advanced capabilities and increased interoperability of the F-35 enhances Norway's sovereign defense and cooperation with key allies across Europe, including its closest neighbors in the Nordic region. The F-35 fleet will play a critical role in protecting the High North and supporting NATO missions. "Norway's F-35 fleet enhances interoperability across the Norwegian Armed Forces' defense systems, improving situational awareness of the entire force and strengthening transatlantic security," said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin. "We are honored to build upon our more than 50-year partnership with Norway, ensuring the Royal Norwegian Air Force remains ahead of emerging threats to protect security for Norway and its allies for decades to come." As the cornerstone of the battlespace for 20 allied nations, the F-35 enables peace through strength in the 21st century. With over a million flight hours and a global fleet of more than 1,150 aircraft and growing, the F-35 provides unrivaled capabilities, strengthening deterrence for allies around the world. F-35s operate from 48 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries rapidly advance technology, the F-35's unmatched connectivity and ability to work in partnership with assets operating across land, sea, air, space and cyber is essential to securing the skies today and into the future. About Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Sign in to access your portfolio
