Ukraine and Norway are establishing their first joint production facility for Ukrainian drones. Several thousand mid-strike drones are planned to be manufactured in Norway, with the first deliveries expected by summer, according to the Ministry of Defense’s website.
The agreement was signed in Kyiv by Norway’s Ambassador to Ukraine Lars Ragnar Aalered Hansen and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration Serhiy Boev.
The agreement also provides for the development of comprehensive industrial cooperation, including research.
The project will be funded by the Norwegian side. In total, Norway plans to allocate over $1.5 billion this year to purchase Ukrainian-made weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The first systems manufactured in Norway are expected to be delivered to Ukraine as early as this summer.
“Norway gains the opportunity to produce technologies that have proven their effectiveness, while Ukraine receives the drones necessary to seize the initiative on the front lines. This is a true win-win partnership,” noted Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
In turn, Tore Onshuus Sandvik emphasized that “supporting Ukraine’s fight is the most important thing we are doing for Norway’s security. This is a collaboration that benefits both countries.”
According to him, the experience gained through this project will allow Norway to expand its production capabilities in a critically important area.
The Ministry of Defense notes that mutually beneficial technological and industrial cooperation with partners is one of Ukraine’s top priorities.
