F-16 Fighting Falcon News

April 10, 2000 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Norway's armed forces want a 10-year postponement of a big new order of fighter jets pitting the Eurofighter against a new version of Norway's existing American F-16s
A study commissioned by armed forces chief General Sigurd Frisvold concluded that Norway should postpone the 10.7 billion crowns ($1.4 billion) purchase of 20 jets until a new generation of jets was ready, around 2010-2012.

Under the original plan, NATO-member Norway is meant to decide on a supplier of jets later this year in a landmark choice between loyalty to the United States and closer European allies after the Cold War.

Both the Eurofighter consortium and Lockheed have invested heavily in wooing Oslo and parliament has already approved the spending on the jets.

Norway wants the 20 jets, with an option for 10 more, to upgrade its existing fleet of U.S. F-16s.