The twelve F-16s will be retired from 2022, with 28 more, to be withdrawn in phases in the following years. The Netherlands will sell twelve of its surplus F-16 fighter jets belonging to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) to Draken International, the Defense Secretary of State Barbara Visser announced to the Dutch parliament in a letter. Although the entire inventory consists of F-16A and F-16B models, all 54 remaining operational aircraft have been upgraded to MLU standard. The remaining aircraft have been stored or sold. Heavy attrition and restructuring of the armed forces reduced the operational inventory to 54 aircraft. Under the terms of the agreement, F-16 Fighting Falcons for the EPAF nations were to be produced locally. ![]() ![]() Together with the US, they started a unique multi-national development program for the F-16. Belgium ordered a total of 160 F-16s in two batches. These four nations, known as the European Participating Air Forces (EPAF), became the first international customers for the F-16. In the late 1970s, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands started looking for a replacement for the F-104 Starfighter. The Belgian Air Force was one of the first four international customers for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The sale of the F-16, or equipment related to the F-16, must be approved by both the US and Norwegian authorities. The primary role of the Norwegian F-16 will therefore be as practice opponents for US combat aircraft. Draken International is a leader within «Red Air services», where Draken International is in the role of opponent in the training of US pilots. The contract also provides opportunities for Norwegian industry, including maintenance of the aircraft in advance of delivery. Transfer to Draken International in the United States is expected to happen in 2022, pending formal approval by the US and Norwegian governments. In September 2019, the Ministry of Defence tasked the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to lead the retirement of the F-16 system in accordance with current regulations and under the best possible terms for the Norwegian government. Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon Fighter Jets (Photo by Forsvaret) ![]() We are therefore pleased that the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has agreed to sell up to 12 aircraft to Draken International, a company offering services to the US military,” said Minister of Defence Odd-Roger Enoksen. The Ministry of Defence has been clear on their wish that Norwegian F-16s should see continued use by others within the NATO alliance. “The F-16 has served the Norwegian Armed Forces and the nation very well for over 40 years until their replacement by the F-35. These are among the most well-maintained combat aircraft in the world and are overall in excellent technical condition, which will provide years of solid service to Draken International,” said Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, Mette Sørfonden. ![]() “I am very pleased that we at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency have secured a first agreement for the F-16s. With the F-16 now approaching the end of its service, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency was tasked by the Ministry of Defence in September 2019 to begin preparations to retire the remaining aircraft by the end of 2021, and potentially selling them to another user. For decades the F-16s have been the backbone of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and of the defence of Norway, protecting Norwegian sovereignty and participating in several national and international operations and exercises. The aircraft will be used as part of Draken’s training services in the United States. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has signed a contract with US company Draken International to sell up to 12 F-16 fighter jets.
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