Donald Trump claims US sold Norway 'F-52' aircraft that doesn't exist - Independent

11/1/2018

Donald Trump claims US sold Norway 'F-52' aircraft that doesn't exist

US President cites fictional jet from video game Call of Duty sparking widespread confusion

Lucy Pasha-Robinson @lucypasha

Donald Trump's joint press conference with the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Wednesday should have been a straightforward affair, announcing new military and trade collaboration between their two nations.

But in the latest gaffe to befall the US President, Mr Trump managed to suggest the US was selling Norway a type of fighter aircraft that does not actually exist.

The President claimed Norway had started receiving the first American-made “F-52s” . ​“In November, we started delivering the first F-52s and F-35 fighter jets,” he said.

The F-52 is a fictional aircraft that features prominently in the successful Call of Duty video game series.

Trump praises made-up country 'Nambia' in speech to African leaders

The former real estate mogul was supposed to be speaking at the White House to announce Norway's purchase of 52 F-35 jets from American aerospace firm Lockheed Martin.

Mr Trump's blunder prompted a flurry of jokes from his critics on social media.

@DefenseBaron

F-52s? Oh boy. Bet the Marines are gonna want a STOVL version.

7:16 AM - Jan 11, 2018

Alexander Clarkson

@APHClarkson

The F-52's capabilities look really impressive

7:30 AM - Jan 11, 2018

The Hoarse Whisperer

@HoarseWisperer

Trump just blurted out the US had sold F-52’s to Norway.

F-52s. An aircraft so secret, even the military hasn’t heard of it.

I, however, was able to secure this highly classified image.

Don’t share. Classified. #F52

9:51 AM - Jan 11, 2018

Bryan Dawson

@BryanDawsonUSA

First #Nambia

Today we were introduced to the Prime Minister of #Normay

Then we find out Trump sold them a bunch of F52 fighters. That's genius. Surely the work of the #TheKakistocracy

5:06 PM - Jan 11, 2018

​“We have a total of 52 and they’ve delivered a number of them already, a little ahead of schedule,” Mr Trump said on Wednesday, adding “it’s a $10 billion order.”

Norway received the first three F-35 fighter jets in November as part of efforts to increase the strength of its air force.

Norway's is the fourth military after the US itself, Israel and Italy to incorporate the planes.

“These warplanes will improve the entire Norwegian defence,” General Major Tonje Skinnarland, head of the Norwegian air force, told broadcaster TV2 at the time.