The first biofuel-powered fighter jets have begun combat duty at Norway’s Oerland military base, the defense ministry said in Oslo. The new F-35 jets are designed to run on fuel from waste and household waste.
On Friday, after successful tests at the Oerland military base near Trondheim, the vehicles began service with solid aviation fuel. Norway’s F-35s are designed to run on fuel from waste and household waste. Thus, Norway became the first country in the world to have low-emission fighter jets.
– By using sustainable fuels, we not only reduce CO2 emissions. We are also improving the security of our supply. We are meeting our climate goals and increasing our combat readiness, Norwegian Defense Minister Björn Arild Gram explained.
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a blend of traditional synthetic aviation fuel and additives produced from municipal waste. Components made from residues after peeling potatoes, banana peels and plastic packaging make up 40%.
Norwegian F-35s during Arctic Exercise (ACE) 2023 Cornelius Poppe/PAP
Norwegian F-35
Norway has 40 F-35 multirole aircraft. He will hire six more in the coming months. Eventually, each of them will have to adapt to the use of partially waste-based fuels. The Norwegian Armed Forces are committed to achieving zero carbon emissions.
By 2030, the operational equipment of the Norwegian military is expected to reduce its carbon footprint by a fifth. In military aviation, fighter jets produce the most carbon dioxide. However, climate goals weren’t the only reason the cars were modified; as well as independence of the armed forces from external fuel resources.
Main photo credit: Cornelius Poppe/PAP
