Norway will train Ukrainian junior officers, snipers, and medics

Norway will increase the number of instructors involved in training Ukrainian military personnel in international missions, and conduct training on its territory.

Bjørn Arild Gram, Minister of Defense of the country, announced this.

He pointed out that Norway already participates in training the Ukrainian soldiers through Operation Interflex in Great Britain, and also contributes financial support and instructors to the EU’s training mission for Ukraine. In addition, Norway will partake in the Nordic initiative through which several nations would train Ukrainian explosive ordnance disposal specialists.

Training in Norway will complement other training initiatives.

“This training will quickly strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian soldiers and increase the total number of soldiers Western countries can train,” the Norwegian Minister of Defense said.

Training is planned to start this spring, with several rounds conducted throughout 2023.

Ukraine will have a significant need for military support in the time to come, and training is an important part of this support.

“Norway will train the Ukrainian military, namely medical specialists, junior officers, and snipers,” Bjørn Arild Gram noted.

He also pointed out that the Norwegian government will support Ukraine as long as it is needed. He emphasized that Oslo plans to increase the contribution to Kyiv’s defense capability through donations and other initiatives both directly from Norway and through collaboration with other countries.

“The government is planning a larger multiyear aid package for Ukraine,” Bjørn Arild Gram emphasized.

In addition, the day before, the Minister of Defense of Norway confirmed in his comment to the media that the country would join the coalition of countries that provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks.

“Now tanks have become very popular. Norway and the government support the tank provision to Ukraine. Norway should be involved,” he said.

He also added that such a decision should be supported by additional training and funding.

The exact number of combat vehicles was not specified. However, Gram stressed that those will be Leopard 2A4 tanks.

Previously, Spiegel reported that European countries will equip two tank battalions, one of which will consist of Leopard 2A4 tanks from Poland and Norway.