In a significant move to bolster military support for Ukraine, Norway has earmarked 3.5 billion kroner, equivalent to approximately $312 million, for the acquisition of military equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers and for drone procurement aimed at enhancing Kyiv’s defense capabilities. This initiative reflects Oslo’s commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with Ukraine and promoting a collaborative environment for technology exchange and expertise sharing between the countries’ respective industries.
To advance this initiative, Norwegian officials and business leaders recently undertook a visit to Ukraine with the intention of fostering deeper ties with local defense sectors. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the dual benefit of this strategy, stating, “By purchasing military equipment directly from Ukraine, we are helping to increase the country’s production capacity, which is a crucial component of our military support.”
In addition to the direct procurement of military equipment, Norway plans to allocate 600 million kroner (around $53 million) specifically for obtaining various types of drones and to enhance drone technology for the Ukrainian armed forces. This commitment is part of a broader narrative that Prime Minister Støre articulated, highlighting Ukraine’s struggle as not just a battle for its sovereignty but a fight for the security of Europe as a whole.
This latest allocation builds upon Oslo’s ongoing long-term commitment to Ukraine, which includes a staggering total of at least 155 billion kroner ($13.8 billion) in assistance planned from 2023 through 2030. Earlier this year, Norway made headlines by announcing its most considerable military aid package to date, amounting to $2.05 billion. Furthermore, in January, as part of a collective effort to procure drones, the Norwegian government dedicated 700 million kroner ($62 million) to this multinational initiative.
Norway’s participation is not limited to direct financial aid; in November, the Norwegian government pledged 500 million kroner ($44 million) in support of a Danish-Ukrainian collaboration focused on sourcing military supplies from local defense producers. Additionally, in August, Oslo advanced its military support further by approving the transfer of defense technology from Nammo to a Ukrainian firm for the production of 155mm artillery shells, showcasing a commitment to not only provide resources but also to assist in the development of local manufacturing capabilities.
This suite of initiatives underscores Norway’s proactive stance in supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts, marking a significant chapter in international defense collaboration and highlighting the strategic partnerships being formed in response to the evolving security landscape in Europe.
