The Norwegian Armed Forces have announced an ambitious initiative to have their F-35 fighters fly with biofuel by the end of the year, as indicated on the Norwegian Ministry of Defense’s X account on May 14, 2024. This initiative is a historic first for Norway, as none of its F-35s have yet used biofuel. This project aims to demonstrate the viability of biofuels in high-tech military operations.
Transitioning to biofuel presents several technical and logistical challenges, as biofuels must meet strict standards to ensure they do not affect the performance or safety of fighter jets. However, the potential benefits are considerable. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, using biofuel can contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels. It is surprising to see Norway develop a biofuel despite not lacking in fossil fuels.
The idea of using biofuels in military aviation is not entirely new. Several countries have already conducted tests to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of biofuels in combat aircraft. In 2010, the US Air Force flew an F-22 Raptor with a mixture of biofuel and conventional fuel, demonstrating that biofuels could be used without affecting the aircraft’s performance. The US Navy also conducted tests with biofuels in its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters, and in 2012, the “Green Hornet” flew with a 50% biofuel blend made from camelina oil. In 2014, the Royal Air Force conducted a test flight of a Tornado GR4 using a blend of traditional fuel and biofuel derived from microalgae. Countries like France, Germany, and Brazil have also explored the use of biofuels for their air forces, although these tests are often less publicized than those in the United States.