Norway's latest contribution to NATO's air defence of Eastern Europe has concluded. On 7 December, the Norwegian unit returned to Ørland Air Base (central Norway) after patrolling Polish airspace for four months alongside the Netherlands, writes the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret) on their website.
The operation has been part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) under the leadership of Allied Air Command (AIRCOM). The collaboration aimed to strengthen the protection of NATO's eastern flank, in light of the deteriorating security situation in Europe.
– It has been a rewarding and motivating mission for us. It feels meaningful to contribute to European security, and we are ready to return if needed, says Lieutenant Colonel Morten Hanche, commander of the 332nd Squadron and responsible for the Norwegian detachment.
First live F-35 mission with the Netherlands
The joint mission with the Netherlands marks the first time the countries have conducted a live mission with F-35 aircraft. The cooperation between Norway and the Netherlands began during the F-16 era in the 1980s and has since deepened in several areas, including instructor training and technical maintenance.
During the current operation, pilots from the two countries have operated in each other's aircraft. Cooperation in technical maintenance has also been formalised. According to Hanche, it is one of the few examples in the world of such a deeply integrated fighter aircraft collaboration between two nations.
– We are both small nations but with high competence in the F-35. It is natural to further develop the cooperation to increase efficiency and strengthen our joint defence capability, says Hanche.
Part of a larger Norwegian presence in Poland
The concluded F-35 contribution is part of Norway's broader presence in Poland during 2025. Since December last year, Norway has also contributed with NASAMS air defence systems and participated in the establishment of a Norwegian training facility in Legio.
The main task of the F-35 unit has been to maintain readiness around the clock to quickly respond to hostile aircraft, missiles, or drones in Polish airspace.