Norway deploys F-35s, NASAMS missiles to protect aid hub for Ukraine

(Dan Tri) - The Norwegian government has promised to deploy F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland to protect an important aid center for Ukraine in Rzeszow.

Norwegian F-35 fighter (Photo: RNoAF).

European Pravda quoted a Norwegian government statement saying that the country is deploying stealth fighters and modern air defense systems to protect the aid hub for Ukraine. Kiev continues to be in dire need of military support and Poland is the most important logistics hub.

Therefore, from the beginning of December, Norway will assume responsibility for air defense at the most important hub for the transportation of civilian and military materials from other countries to Ukraine.

“In this way, Norway is doing its part to ensure that aid to Ukraine reaches its destination, allowing Ukraine to continue its fight for freedom,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

Norway will protect the airspace above Rzeszow airport as part of NATO's integrated air and missile defence system.

"Norway is sending around 100 soldiers, NASAMS air defence systems and F-35 fighter jets. The mission will last from December until Easter and will protect Polish airspace. Several NATO members in turn provide Poland with such protection," the statement said.

Last week it was announced that Norway had agreed to share with Poland the responsibility of protecting the main transit hub for foreign military aid to Ukraine.

Next, in January, German Patriot systems will be deployed in Poland, also to strengthen Rzeszow's defense capabilities.

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is looking to protect 20 other special facilities from Russian attacks, as heavy missile strikes leave the country without enough air defense systems to provide the necessary protection, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

"We spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about strengthening air defenses... I gave an example of how we are looking to protect 20 other special facilities... In the face of heavy missile strikes, we simply do not have enough air defense systems," Zelensky said.

Leader Zelensky also thanked Germany for its support in strengthening Ukrainian skies, but noted that the air defense systems provided were insufficient.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/na-uy-dieu-f-35-ten-lua-nasams-bao-ve-dau-moi-vien-tro-cho-ukraine-20241203120526129.htm