Four Norwegian F-35 fighter jets performed the traditional Missing Man formation over Oslo Cathedral on September 9, 2026, shortly after the state funeral of King Harald V. One aircraft broke away from the group and climbed steeply into the sky. The empty position left in the formation represented the fallen king, while the climbing jet symbolized the continuation of the nation and the monarchy. The flyover provided a powerful military tribute at the close of the formal service.

King Harald V died on August 28 at the age of 89 after 35 years on the throne. His state funeral drew European royalty, heads of state and tens of thousands of Norwegians who lined the streets of Oslo. The procession moved from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, where a solemn service was held. Following the ceremony, the casket was taken to Akershus Fortress for private interment in the royal mausoleum.

The Missing Man formation is a longstanding military honor reserved for significant figures. In this case, the Royal Norwegian Air Force chose four of its advanced F-35 jets to execute the maneuver. The precise timing placed the aircraft over the cathedral as the public and official guests concluded the main funeral rites. The visual of one jet peeling upward against the sky created a memorable image of both loss and continuity.

King Harald was widely regarded as a modernizing and popular monarch who balanced tradition with a down-to-earth style. As Norway’s commander-in-chief, he held a formal role with the armed forces, making the aerial tribute particularly fitting. The flyover formed part of the broader military participation in the funeral, which also included ceremonial troops, gun salutes and honor guards lining the procession route.

Crowds remaining outside the cathedral and along nearby streets witnessed the jets pass overhead. Many described the moment as emotional, marking the official end of the public mourning period that had begun nearly two weeks earlier. Flags that had flown at half-mast were raised again after the burial, and church bells rang across the country. The royal family continued a period of private mourning.

The F-35 flyover closed a day of national farewell with a clear and disciplined expression of respect. By combining modern fighter aircraft with a classic military tradition, Norway honored both the personal legacy of King Harald V and the institutional continuity of the crown. The empty slot in the formation and the solitary climb of one jet left a lasting visual of a nation saying goodbye while looking ahead.