The Norwegian government has approved the transfer of Nammo defense technology to a Ukrainian firm for the production of 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine.
Oslo allowed Norwegian firms to share defense technology with their Ukrainian counterparts earlier this year.
It intends to accelerate ammunition production for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and replenish the stocks of the Norwegian military, which has donated ammunition to Ukraine.
“Ukraine has a great need for artillery ammunition to be able to withstand the Russian offensive war,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said.
“This government has taken several measures to increase the production of artillery ammunition in Norway. At the same time, we see that it is important to strengthen the Ukrainians’ ability to produce modern artillery ammunition in Ukraine.”
Norwegian Support for Ukraine
Oslo is financially supporting the collaboration through the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, which has a budget of 75 billion Norwegian kroner ($7.17 billion).
The Norwegian civilian and military support program spans from 2023 to 2027, with last year’s contribution amounting to 19.9 billion kroner ($1.90 billion), including 11 billion kroner ($1.05 billion) in military support.
“Nammo is proud to be able to share technology and expertise that will help strengthen Ukraine in its defense struggle. Cooperation with the Norwegian authorities has been crucial for this to be possible,” Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzaeg said.
“There is considerable work behind the development and qualification of effective ammunition that is suitable for series production, and Nammo has invested time and money in technology and expertise that can now be transferred to Ukraine.”
Nammo Opens Additional Production Line
Meanwhile, Oslo announced financing for an additional production line of Nammo in July, which is expected to accelerate the production of the “most modern” artillery shells by 10 times.
In addition, the funding of one billion kroner ($94 million) is expected to double the production of other artillery ammunition and rocket engines.
“We are enabling Nammo to increase its production capacity significantly to help meet Norwegian, Allied and Ukrainian needs,” Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjorn Arild Gram said last month.
“I am pleased that Nammo has committed to maintaining this capacity for at least 15 years. This is essential in order to strengthen national preparedness, safeguard international security and augment local value creation.”
