Norway is allocating approximately NOK 7 billion (US$696.12 million) to finance air defense systems for Ukraine, according to a press release from the Norwegian government on Sunday.
“Together with Germany, we will ensure that Ukraine receives powerful air defense systems. Germany and Norway are working closely together to support Ukraine in defending the country and its civilian population against Russian air attacks,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.
It is noted that Norway and Germany are financing two Patriot systems, including missiles. In addition, Norway is contributing to the purchase of air defense radars from German manufacturer Hensoldt and air defense systems from Kongsberg.
“Air defense is crucial for protecting military units and infrastructure. Together with Germany, we are now stepping up our efforts even further,” added Defense Minister Tore Rømmers.
Earlier this summer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Støre agreed to transfer two Patriot systems to Ukraine, which are currently in Germany and will be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible.
The US has confirmed that it will replace the transferred systems, and Norway has pledged to make a financial contribution to their replacement.
The Norwegian government will allocate an additional NOK 1 billion to finance Ukraine’s air defense, the government’s press service reports.
“Ukrainians need more air defense to protect the population from Russian bombs and missiles. The brutal attacks we saw last week show why it is so important for Ukrainians to be protected from Russian air attacks. In the fall, together with Germany, Norway will deliver a complete IRIS-T anti-aircraft battery to Ukraine,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented on the decision.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide noted that support for air defense has long been one of Ukraine’s top priorities.
“Ukrainians know their needs best, and that is why we have close contact with Ukraine when we decide how to organize support for Ukraine,” he said.
It is noted that the allocated funds are part of the Norwegian Nansen program.
In the revised national budget, the government proposed to use up to NOK 4 billion from the Nansen program for air defense measures until 2024.
Most of these funds are earmarked for Germany’s Immediate Action for Air Defense initiative. The new measures are included in the funds identified through the RNB (revised national budget).
Norway has joined a coalition to support Ukraine in the field of air defense, the press service of the Norwegian government reports.
“It is quite natural for Norway to be part of such an air defense coalition. Norwegian NASAMS contributes to saving Ukrainian lives and protecting critical infrastructure every day,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
The press release notes that the Norwegian government has already joined three coalitions that provide military support to Ukraine. These are the Maritime Coalition, which Norway leads jointly with the United Kingdom, the F-16 Coalition, under which the Norwegian government will provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and train the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their operation, and the Air Defense Coalition, led by Germany and France.
“We have stated that we will provide support where it is most needed. Air defense is on Ukraine’s list of priorities. It is absolutely necessary to protect military departments, cities and critical infrastructure necessary to support the life of society,” the head of the Norwegian Defense Ministry emphasized.
As reported, on February 14, France and Germany launched a coalition in Brussels to support Ukrainian air defense within the framework of the Contact Group on Ukraine’s Defense.
Canada will provide CAD33 million ($24.5 million) for a joint initiative led by the United Kingdom to purchase additional air defense equipment for Ukraine, Reuters reported on Sunday, citing Canadian National Defense Minister William Blair.
In his statement, Blair said that this contribution is part of the CAD500 million military aid to Kyiv, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in June.
The report notes that since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, Ottawa has provided more than CAD8 billion in aid, including about CAD1.8 billion in military assistance. The partnership, which also includes the United States, the Netherlands, and Denmark, aims to purchase hundreds of short- and medium-range air defense missiles and related systems.
Finland will provide Ukraine with the 17th package of military assistance, including air defense equipment and ammunition, the Finnish government said in a press release on Thursday.
According to the statement, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto made the decision based on the government’s proposal.
The aid package will cost Finland 105 million euros.
In order to ensure the safe delivery of military cargoes to their destination, more precise details about the content of the aid package, the timing and ways of its transportation are not reported.
In total, Finland has provided Ukraine with military assistance worth about 1.2 billion euros.
