The first fighters powered by biofuel began combat duty at the Norwegian Oerland military base, the Ministry of Defense in Oslo reported. The new F-35s are designed to run on fuel made from garbage and household waste.
On Friday, after successful tests conducted at the Oerland military base near Trondheim, machines fueled with sustainable aviation fuel began service. Norwegian F-35s are designed to run on fuel made from garbage and household waste. Meaning that Norway became the first country in the world to have it equipped low-emission combat aircraft.
– By using sustainable fuel, we not only reduce CO2 emissions. We are also improving our security of supply. We are achieving climate goals while increasing our combat readiness, commented on the introduction of modernized fighters, the Norwegian Minister of Defense, Bjoern Arild Gram.
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a mixture of traditional synthetic aviation fuel and additives produced from municipal waste. Ingredients made from leftovers after peeling potatoes, banana peels and plastic packaging constitute 40%.
Norwegian F-35s during the Arctic Challenge Exercise (ACE) in 2023Cornelius Poppe/PAP
Norwegian F-35
Norway has 40 F-35 multi-role aircraft. It will receive six more in the coming months. Ultimately, each of them is to be adapted to use fuel partially derived from garbage. The Norwegian Armed Forces have been tasked with achieving zero carbon dioxide emissions.
By 2030, the operational equipment of the Norwegian army is expected to reduce its carbon footprint by one fifth. In military aviation, fighter planes produce the most carbon dioxide. However, climate goals were not the only reason for modifying the machines; it was also about making the armed forces independent from external fuel supplies.
Main photo source: Cornelius Poppe/PAP