Major General Øivind Gunnerud

Chief Royal Norwegian Air Force

Major General Gunnerud began his military career in 1990 as a Sergeant and crew chief, later becoming an F-16 pilot and instructor across multiple Norwegian air squadrons. From 2002 to 2008, he served in various roles in the USAF, including exchange pilot and NATO evaluator. Advancing through leadership roles, he commanded the 332 Squadron and led F-16 operations in Libya and Afghanistan between 2009 and 2013. He then held senior planning and development positions within the Ministry of Defence and Air Staff. From 2019 to 2022, he commanded the 132 Air Wing at Ørland Air Station, followed by a role as Vice Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. In 2024, he was appointed Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, achieving the rank of Major General.

Major General Gunnerud has completed extensive military education, including courses at the US Air University and Norwegian Defence University College, as well as staff college and pilot training in the USA and Norway. He has been operationally deployed to Afghanistan (2002, 2011–2012) and Libya (2011).

With over 3,000 flight hours, Major General Gunnerud flown a wide variety of aircraft including the MFI-15, T-37, T-38, F-5, and multiple F-16 variants, including the F-35. His education and deployments reflect a deep blend of leadership, strategy, and aviation expertise.