Norway has announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth 3. 2 billion Norwegian kroner (about 267 million euros). The funds will be used to purchase ammunition for F-16s and air defense systems within the framework of the JUMPSTART initiative.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the downing of an out-of-control drone over the Black Sea. The target was detected and brought under control by an F-16 fighter jet.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed the planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets and military aid to Ukraine with Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. The conversation also touched upon Belgium's contribution to multinational NATO initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The Netherlands is providing Ukraine with a new military aid package worth 250 million euros through the PURL initiative. The funds will be used to purchase American weapons, including air defense systems and F-16 ammunition.
Russian propaganda is spreading disinformation that European countries are being attacked by "Ukrainian drones," not Russian ones. The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council calls the goal of such actions by the Russian Federation to discredit Ukraine and an attempt to influence public opinion in European countries in order to spoil Kyiv's relations with its allies.
Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov was summoned to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry, where he was handed a note of protest over the illegal flight of six drones. The Russian ambassador stated that the incident "needs to be investigated," as "many operations take place under a false flag."
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated the need for NATO to accelerate its work on strengthening the defense of the eastern flank against Russian drones. This came after Romania scrambled fighter jets twice due to the detection of drone incursions into its airspace on November 25.
Romania scrambled Eurofighter Typhoon and F-16 fighter jets twice on November 25 due to the detection of drone incursions into national airspace. Radars detected targets near Tulcea and Galați counties.
Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets on the night of November 21-22 to monitor the air situation on the border with Ukraine. This happened after intensified Russian attacks and the detection of drones in the Izmail area.
Since August 2024, Ukrainian F-16 and Mirage-2000 pilots have intercepted over 1,300 aerial and destroyed over 300 ground targets of the occupiers. The F-16s account for over 1,300 intercepted aerial targets and the elimination of hundreds of units of enemy equipment.
Romanian and German fighter jets were scrambled due to the detection of a drone in Romanian airspace amid Russia's massive attack on Ukraine. The drone disappeared from radars after penetrating 8 km into national airspace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to sign agreements with France on the supply of air defense systems, missiles, and fighter jets. Sources report plans for Rafale fighter jets and additional SAMP/T air defense systems.
As of the morning of November 12, 18 bodies have been found after the crash of a Turkish military plane in Georgia, which had 20 people on board. Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have formed a joint international investigation team to probe the incident.
Denys Shmyhal and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik signed memorandums on unified quality standards for defense products and the creation of a joint defense enterprise. Norway will allocate $7 billion for Ukraine's defense needs next year.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense signed a contract to purchase 18 F-16 aircraft and equipment from the Netherlands for a symbolic price of 1 euro. They will be used for training, including Ukrainian pilots, at the European F-16 Training Center.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that drones over military bases were likely used to monitor fighter jets and ammunition depots. He did not directly accuse Russia but noted that the motives and methods of such actions were obvious.
Three UAVs were again detected over the Belgian NATO military base Kleine-Brogel. Attempts to jam or shoot down the drones were unsuccessful, and the police lost the signal after 20 kilometers of pursuit.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that "Shaheds" have in some places become more dangerous than ballistic missiles, as all available air defense assets must be used to shoot them down. In November, Ukraine plans to reach 500-800 interceptors per day.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that Gripen fighter jets are among the most useful for Ukraine due to their low cost, lower maintenance needs, and ease of mastery by pilots. These aircraft are also convenient for using a wide range of weapons that Ukraine uses.
Turkey and Great Britain signed a $10. 7 billion agreement for the acquisition of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. The delivery of the first aircraft is expected in 2030.
Ukraine is counting on the supply of 150 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, the first of which should appear next year. President Zelenskyy stated that these aircraft are part of Ukraine's security guarantees.
Belgium will continue F-16 deliveries to Ukraine on schedule, after the first three F-35s are put into operation. This will take from a year to a year and a half, after which Belgium will be able to provide F-16s to Ukraine.
During his visit to the US, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thoroughly informed the American side about the situation at the front, Russian missile strikes, and urgent defense needs. The Ukrainian delegation held a series of meetings with representatives of defense and energy companies.
President Zelenskyy met with representatives of Lockheed Martin in Washington. Prospects for cooperation and opportunities to increase Ukraine's protection against Russian aggression were discussed, including the need for air defense, missiles, and F-16 aircraft.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air defense systems and guided missiles during the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense. This is due to the continuation of Russia's air terror, which in September launched more than 5,600 attack drones and 180 missiles.
In recent months, at least ten European countries have reported drone incursions into their airspace, raising concerns and leading to increased security measures. Romania, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Belgium have witnessed these incidents, some of which are linked to Russia.
Belgium is considering transferring additional F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This became possible after the arrival of the first fifth-generation F-35 aircraft in the country, which will replace the older machines.
Belgium is facing increasing pressure to allow the use of frozen Russian assets for a “reparation loan” to Ukraine. This comes after a shift in position by Berlin and other Western capitals, which now support the idea.
Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force Communications Department, explained that the complexity of shooting down Russian drones and missiles is affected by the enemy's tactical maneuvers and weather conditions. He also noted that the modernization of ballistic missiles complicates the work of Patriot systems.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ivan Havryliuk stated that Ukraine expects the supply of Swedish Gripen, French Mirage, and additional F-16s. The exact dates and number of deliveries are not yet disclosed, but Kyiv has also appealed to partners for at least ten Patriot systems.
