As previously discussed, compared to the Rafale, sales of F-35 aircraft are far ahead. In addition to the cheaper price, the F-35 is considered more modern than the Rafale aircraft. Currently, the number of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth aircraft in the European Air Force continues to increase, giving NATO an advantage over Russia.
Leading the way is Norway, which will replace its aging F-16s with new F-35A fifth-generation aircraft. With this, Norway will reportedly become the first European country to fully rely on America's super-advanced fighter jets for rapid reaction missions.
According to the Eurasian Times, the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF) on January 6 marked a historic day when the F-35 officially took over Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, ending the 42-year mission of the F-16 fleet in support of its own country and NATO.
The RoNAF stated that the remaining 57 F-16AM/BM aircraft had been completely replaced by the F-35A.
Bod Airbase, which is home to the F-16 fleet, will be decommissioned as a jet fighter station and Rapid Reaction Alert operations will be conducted from Evenes Air Station, which is further north.
The official transfer of authority from the F-16 to the F-35 took place at Evenes Air Base.
F-16 fighters have been stationed at Bod, which has remained an important Norwegian air base throughout the Cold War to this day. The strategic location of the Bod makes it easy to fly short distances to monitor northern airspace.
Currently the F-35 aircraft have received the baton from the F-16, as stated by the Chief of the Norwegian Air Force.
“The F-35 has now received the baton from the F-16, continuing to maintain constant guard.
I feel great pride today. The introduction of the new fighter jet has been a great success, thanks to our passionate and talented personnel and partners,” said Major General Rolf Folland, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Meanwhile, the airport in Bod will continue to support civilian air traffic and will remain home to the Squadron 330 search and rescue helicopters, managed by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center of Northern Norway.
Subscribe Daily Post or Follow Google News to update information quickly, Thank you..!!
