Norwegian Government to provide NOK 1 billion for air defence in Ukraine
Press release | Date: 11/07/2024 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norway is providing an additional NOK 1 billion in funding for air defence systems in Ukraine. ‘The Ukrainians need more air defence to protect the population against Russian bombs and missiles,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Russia has recently bombed various cities across Ukraine, striking hospitals and causing a large civilian death toll.
‘The brutal attacks we have seen this past week show why it is so vital for the Ukrainians to have greater protection from Russian air attacks. In cooperation with Germany, Norway will donate a compete IRIS-T air defence battery to Ukraine this autumn,’ said Prime Minster Støre.
For Ukraine, support for air defence has long been a top priority.
‘The Ukrainians themselves have the best insight into what is needed, so we are in close contact with Ukraine when determining how we should target our support to the country,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
This donation is being financed under the Norwegian Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
In addition to increasing its allocation to Germany’s Immediate Action for Air Defence initiative, Norway is providing funds for the international effort to repair and maintain air defence equipment in Ukraine. This support is being carried out via third countries.
Norway is co-chair of the Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine and a member of both the Air Force Capability Coalition and the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Capability Coalition.
‘A great deal of excellent work is being done in the three coalitions that Norway has chosen to give priority. One of the most important things we can do in the air defence coalition is get military equipment to Ukraine quickly. Norway is a major contributor to air defence in Ukraine, and is also the developer of the NASAMS air defence system,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
In the revised national budget, the Government has designated that up to NOK 4 billion under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine will be used to fund air defence measures through 2024.
A large part of this funding will be channelled to Germany’s Immediate Action for Air Defence initiative. The new measures are included in the funding allocated during the revised national budget process.