Overview of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and Its F-16 Aircraft
The Royal Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret) has played a significant role in European air defense, especially with its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. Below is a detailed account of its history, inventory, and future prospects regarding its fighter aircraft.
Introduction
The Royal Norwegian Air Force was one of the four initial European Participating Air Forces.
Norway ordered a total of 74 F-16A/Baircraft, with 56 updated under the MLU program.
The aircraft are expected to be replaced around 2015, likely by the F-35 Lightning IIor the Eurofighter Typhoon.
History
1970: Norway began searching for a replacement for its aging F-104 Starfighters.
Possible candidates included:
Mirage F.1
Saab 37 Viggen
Northrop F-17
F-16 (which ultimately won the selection)
Key Milestone
The first F-16 for the Luftforsvaret took its maiden flight on December 12, 1979.
Inventory
Initial Order
On July 21, 1975, Norway, along with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark, placed an order for the F-16
Norway acquired:
60 F-16A aircraft
12 F-16B aircraft
Deliveries occurred between January 1980 and June 1984.
All Block 1 and Block 5aircraft have been upgraded to Block 10 standard.
Distinctive Features
The F-16s are painted in an unusual all light gray color scheme.
Each aircraft features the Norwegian flag on the tail and a 3-digit serial number derived from the US serial number.
Attrition Replacements
Two F-16B Block 15 aircraft were ordered as attrition replacements, delivered directly from General Dynamics rather than the Fokker production line.
Possible Future Orders
The RNoAF intends to acquire 30 to 40 new fighters to replace the F-5A/B fighters currently operated by Rygge-based 336 Squadron.
*The new aircraft are also expected to serve as attrition replacements for F-16s lost over the years.
Evaluation Process
In February 1999, the Ministry of Defense narrowed the choice to:
Eurofighter Typhoon
Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 50N The ministry planned to issue a Request for Proposals (RfP) pending Parliamentary approval.
Procurement Considerations
A letter of procurement was issued for 20 jet with options for 10 additional aircraft.
Suppliers were asked to provide alternative payment and delivery schedules, alongside a demand for 100% offset to guarantee benefits for Norwegian industry.
The Royal Norwegian Air Force has a storied history with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and as it looks to the future, the selection of new aircraft will be crucial for maintaining its operational capabilities and adapting to modern aerial threats.