Norwegian F-16 fighters fly their last mission
Norway bids farewell to the last of its F-16 fleet, pictured above. (Photo: Norwegian MoD)
Norway has retired its fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which have been in service since 1980, as its new F-35s join the country's air force.
The Royal Norwegian Air Force has announced its F-16 fighter jets flew their last mission on 6 January before new F-35s take over as the nation’s main fighter platform.
The Bodø Air Base will also be retired as Quick Reaction Alert missions will be performed from Evenes Air Station, which is based at a more northern location.
The Norwegian MoD tasked the nation’s Defence Materiel Agency to lead the retirement of the F-16 in September 2019 as the nation received its first few F-35s.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Oslo took delivery of the first F-35A in 2017 and put 22 aircraft into service as of March 2020.
By 2025, all 52 of the ordered F-35s will be in service.
Many of the F-16s will not be retired from service but instead sold as second-hand aircraft.
On 20 December 2021, the Romanian parliament approved the acquisition of 32 Norwegian F-16 jets. The Norwegian MoD estimated that Romania has a budget of €454 million ($515 million) for this purpose.
In the same month, a contract was signed with Draken International to sell up to 12 F-16s for training in the US.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
