Norway Backs NATO Nuclear Missions With F-35 Fighters
Norway is increasing support for NATO nuclear missions with F-35 jets, intelligence sharing and joint drills, prompting sharp criticism and concern from Moscow.
Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolay Korchunov said Norway had begun using conventional aircraft to support NATO nuclear missions, a move Moscow views sharply negatively.
According to the diplomat, Russia regards this form of cooperation within the North Atlantic Alliance as participation in joint nuclear missions. He said such activity undermines the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime, weakens security in the Euro-Arctic region and threatens broader global stability.
Korchunov reported that Oslo joined a French nuclear deterrence initiative in May. The arrangement includes intelligence sharing and joint exercises. Norway also plans to deploy F-35 fighter jets in support of French aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Analysts note that the Norwegian authorities have not officially announced plans to station nuclear warheads on the country’s territory in peacetime. Norway is also not part of NATO’s Nuclear Sharing program. At the same time, Oslo is showing growing interest in the alliance’s nuclear operations.
In 2025, Norwegian Air Force F-35s took part in NATO’s annual Steadfast Noon exercise in Europe for the first time. In August of the previous year, three US B-1B Lancer strategic bombers were also deployed to Norway’s Orland Air Base.