The Norwegian Air Force conducted a demonstration flight the day before yesterday using a Lockheed Martin F-35 JSF fighter jet powered by a 40% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions. The news was announced in these hours by the armed force itself. Of course, the country is not new to this type of test, but never before has such a high percentage of SAF been used. "Norway is the first Nation in the world to test the use of synthetic fuel on this type of fighter aircraft", the statement adds.

The fuel used is mainly produced from residues and waste from the food industry, agriculture or forestry, from raw materials that cannot be used for food or feed. It can also be produced synthetically through a process that captures carbon directly from the air. Raw materials that do not compete with food growth or water supplies and do not contribute to deforestation either.

For several years, the Norwegian Air Force has been examining various sustainable measures to give its air bases more independence and operational autonomy. This is just one of several initiatives taken, explains Ole Marius, Commander 132nd Air Wing, Ørland Air Base.

For Brigadier Martin Tesli, currently Deputy Commander of Special Forces in the Norwegian Armed Forces - former commander of the 132nd Air Wing in Ørland, highly experienced F-16 and F-35 pilot and one of the initiators of the Luft Force's environmental project- SAF has no negative effects on fighter aircraft: "Our tests show that this type of fuel has no impact on the operation of our aircraft, their capacity or range. We simply cannot allow the fuel supply to reduce the operational capabilities of our F-35s. Our goal is therefore that our equipment performs at its best, even if the fuel is made of biological material. To defend Norway and NATO, we need a fast and effective air defense".

This initiative is part of a larger national project aimed at reducing the environmental impact of military operations and increasing the country's energy security. The test was an important verification of the jet's ability to operate on alternative fuels, confirming Norway's commitment to finding more sustainable solutions for defense.

Significant in this regard is the statement by Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram: "The use of sustainable fuels helps reduce emissions and can strengthen our supply capacity. Our fighter jets are responsible for around a third of direct CO2 emissions in the defence sector. The focus is on contributing to the achievement of climate goals while at the same time strengthening technical preparedness. It is not just about climate, but also about technological development and skills. If Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be produced independently within our borders, we will be less dependent on long supply chains".