Norway providing support for more air defence to Ukraine
Press release | Date: 29/10/2024 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Defence
‘Norway will provide NOK 1.4 billion in funding to expand air defence systems in Ukraine. Together with other countries, Norway is providing funding that will enable Romania to send a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The support is being provided as part of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
‘Russia’s attacks are continuing unabated, and Ukraine needs more air defence to protect the civilian population. Providing air defence to Ukraine is a priority area for Norway, and I am very pleased that we can help Ukraine to acquire a new Patriot air defence system. Greater air defence has been one of Ukraine’s most critical needs since the start of the war. Norway’s support to Ukraine is based on what Ukraine needs most, and we will continue to provide support for as long as it is necessary,’ said Mr Støre.
Norway has given priority to enhancing Ukraine’s air defence on several previous occasions, both via donations from the Norwegian Armed Force’s own stores and through international cooperation initiatives. Among other things, Norway has donated the NASAMS air defence system. Norway has also provided personnel to help train Ukrainian soldiers in the use of air defence equipment. Earlier this year, Norway allocated some NOK 4 billion in funding for Ukrainian air defence, including under the German-led initiative to procure Patriot missiles for Ukraine. During the NATO Summit this past summer, the Norwegian Government announced that NOK 1 billion of this would be used in connection with the donation, in cooperation with Germany, of a complete IRIS-T air defence battery to Ukraine, as well as for the repair and maintenance of air defence equipment.
‘Norway and the West must increase their support to Ukraine. Air defence is one of Ukraine’s most critical needs. Without adequate air defence equipment, Ukraine cannot protect the military installations and forces that are defending the country – nor can the country provide protection to children and adults trying to carry on with their lives, or safeguard the civilian infrastructure that is to provide electricity and heating throughout the winter. It is therefore absolutely essential to increase air defence capacity,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.