The donation includes 12 combat-ready aircraft, along with 10 planes that may require maintenance and substantial overhauls.

The donation package also includes engines, auxiliary materials, simulators, spare parts, and other essential equipment, ensuring that Ukraine's armed forces have all the necessary resources. The F-16 models Ukraine will receive have been upgraded with 2000s-era electronics and sensors, making them technologically superior to any aircraft in the Ukrainian Air Force's existing fleet.

The F-16, a fourth-generation jet manufactured since the 1970s, is widely hailed as one of the most successful fighter aircraft currently in operation. Despite being approximately 30 years old, the F-16s being donated to Ukraine will be well-maintained and equipped with modern avionics.

The Russian Air Force's advanced fighters, such as the Su-35 and Su-57, possess superior sensors and radars compared to the F-16s Ukraine will receive. Nonetheless, the Ukrainian aircraft will offer a powerful strike capability, with battle-ready AN/APG-66(V)2 radars, modern targeting pods, on-board computer systems, displays, electronic warfare systems, navigation, communication, and low-altitude flight systems.

In addition to Norway, other NATO allies have also pledged support to Ukraine's F-16 program. Denmark has committed to providing 19 aircraft, while the Netherlands has announced plans to transfer up to 42 F-16 fighters. Belgium and Romania have also offered assistance by donating armaments or training facilities.

The total value of the donation by Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands is estimated to exceed $3 billion. This makes it the most substantial single weapon arms assistance project by Ukraine's allies by a significant margin, according to the military information website Zona Militar.

However, even with the addition of these F-16s, the Ukrainian Air Force would still be heavily outnumbered by the Russian Air Force. Currently, the theoretical maximum number of F-16 fighters available for combat in Ukrainian skies would range from 75 to 85.

Training Ukrainian pilots and ground crew to operate the F-16s has been an ongoing process. The preparation involves multiple bases within the NATO alliance, and progress has been slower than anticipated due to the need for Ukrainian personnel to learn military aviation-capable English and transition from operating Soviet-era airframes to modern NATO-standard combat jets.

The primary challenge for Ukraine in fielding the F-16s is not the availability of airframes but rather the need to allocate combat pilots and ground crew from the ongoing conflict to complete the necessary training. Despite these challenges, the first six F-16s, along with pilots and ground crew, are expected to arrive in Ukraine by June or July, according to Ukrainian mil-bloggers.

The donation of F-16s will not only enhance Ukraine's military capabilities but will also generate income for U.S. corporations General Dynamics and Raytheon, the main manufacturers of F-16 parts and the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 missiles used by the aircraft.

The assistance provided by Norway and other NATO allies marks a significant step in supporting Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its defense against potential aggression, contributing to regional security and stability.