Norwegian F-16s sold to Draken

The Norwegian Government announced today, 2 December 2021, that twelve Norske Luftforsvaret (Royal Norwegian Air Force) F-16 fighters have been sold. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has signed a contract with US company Draken International to sell up to twelve aircraft which will be used as part of Draken’s training services in the United States. The contract was signed on 22 November.

With the introduction of the F-35, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency was tasked by the Ministry of Defence in September 2019 to begin preparations to retire the remaining F-16 aircraft by the end of 2021, and potentially selling them to another user.

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has been clear on their wish that Norwegian F-16s should see continued use by others within the NATO alliance. According to the Ministry discussions with NATO allies about the sale of several Norwegian F-16s are at the moment still ongoing. But potential buyers are not revealed.

In the sale of up to twelve aircraft the equipment necessary to operate them is included. The F-16s are expected to be delivered to Draken International sometime in 2022, after pre-delivery maintenance in Norway.

Final permission for the sale has to be given by both the Norwegian and US Governments, but the, after more than 40 years of operations in Norwegian hands, the F-16s are ready for a second life!

Photo: Forsvaret