Norway will deploy its F-35 fighter jets to Poland this fall as part of NATO’s air and missile defense mission, the country’s Ministry of Defense has announced.
The Norwegian jets will help secure Polish airspace and a critical logistics hub in the southeastern city of Rzeszów, which plays a key role in transporting weapons, equipment, and humanitarian aid from NATO countries to Ukraine.
Read more: Norway Quietly Doubles Its F-16 Fighter Jet Donation to Ukraine
Located just 80 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, Rzeszów has served as a primary transit point for aid deliveries since 2022.
"This is a vital contribution. We are helping ensure that support to Ukraine reaches its destination, and that Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom," said Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
Norway to deploy F-35s to Poland Norway is strengthening its contribution to @NATO's air and missile Defence by sending F-35 fighter aircraft to Poland and Rzeszów Airport this autumn. The mission supports the protection of Polish airspace and a key logistical hub for… pic.twitter.com/mZIBDPmm9F— Norwegian Ministry of Defence (@Forsvarsdep) June 30, 2025
The ministry emphasized that the deployment has been carefully planned to preserve Norway’s national defense readiness and operational security.
This move follows Poland’s December 2024 announcement regarding the deployment of Norwegian NASAMS air defense systems to Rzeszów for enhanced protection of the logistics hub.
As previously reported by Defense Express, Norway Joins the Development of GhostEye, the New Radar For Combat-Proven NASAMS.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense highlighted NASAMS' effectiveness, especially during defense against russian air attacks on Ukraine. This is aided by the use of large numbers of AIM-120 and AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, which can even be supplemented by Ukrainian missiles.
Read more: russia Calls Out Norway For "Militarizing Svalbard," Setting the Stage For War — How Strong is NATO's Northern Flank?
