The Norwegian government has announced it will allocate 1.4 billion kroner ($127 million) to enhance Ukrainian air defense systems.
“Together with other countries, Norway is providing funding that will enable Romania to send a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
“Norway and the West must increase their support to Ukraine. Air defense is one of Ukraine’s most critical needs. Without adequate air defense equipment, Ukraine cannot protect the military installations and forces that are defending the country.”
The initiative is part of the Nansen Support Program, which started last year and is designed to provide civilian and military assistance to Kyiv until 2027.
The total budget allocated for the program is 75 billion kroner ($6.8 billion).
Air Defense Systems for Ukraine
Norway’s contribution to the Ukrainian Air Forces includes several defense systems used by NATO allies, as well as training for troops.
In March last year, Oslo stated it would supply Kyiv with two NASAMS air defense systems capable of launching medium to long-range missiles.
Earlier this year, the Scandinavian country allocated 4 billion kroner ($364 million) to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, including support for a German-led initiative to supply Ukraine with Patriot missiles.
During a NATO summit in July, Oslo announced it would provide 1 billion kroner ($90 million) to cooperate with Berlin in delivering a complete IRIS-T air defense battery to Kyiv.
