Norway to finance production of Ukrainian weapons for Armed Forces

Norway will finance the production of weapons and military equipment at Ukrainian enterprises for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced this.

Thus, Norway will join the ‘Danish format’ of supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

The Minister noted that the format provided for direct financing of production in Ukraine, which would allow for faster production and supply of the necessary weapons for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

During a visit to Oslo on November 14-15, Rustem Umierov and his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the material cooperation, which establishes “general principles, goals and framework for cooperation.”

The Norwegian Ministry of Defense said that the support for Ukraine took place in close dialogue with the Ukrainian side and was based on the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This scheme means that Ukraine proposes specific procurements and projects that are reviewed and evaluated by the Danish authorities before they receive support. In addition, procedures have been established to monitor projects.

“We need to enable the Ukrainian defense industry to produce as much material as possible for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thanks to this agreement, we will help increase the production of weapons and ammunition and reduce the time it takes for equipment to get to where it is needed,” says Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

In addition, as part of the ‘Danish format’ of the support for Ukraine, Norway and Denmark will sign an agreement on the use of Norwegian funds.

Previously, the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Norwegian Defense Materials Agency (NDMA) signed a cooperation agreement.

The document, in particular, opens up the new opportunities for the exchange of information on the arms market, joint research and development of innovative military technologies.

During a visit to Odesa in late October, Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said that Norway would make a new contribution of funds to purchase weapons and spare parts for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets. Also this year, Norway will donate a total of 130 inflatable boats to Ukraine.