Norway allocates half a billion NOK to boost Ukraine’s defence industry

News story | Date: 21/11/2024 | Ministry of Defence

Defence Minister Mr. Bjørn Arild Gram announced the support during a Nordic Defence Ministers' meeting in Copenhagen on Thursday, focused on the war in Ukraine and its need for support.

'This funding will be directed to Ukraine's defence industry to enable quicker production of weapons and military equipment. Norway has been contributing from our own stockpiles and purchasing from domestic industry, but this alone is not enough. We must enhance Ukraine's capacity to produce more, and this support will help achieve that,' says Gram.

Norway provides NOK 500 million for Ukraine's domestic defence production. Pictured: Defence Minister Rustem Umerov meeting Bjørn Arild Gram in Oslo on 15 November. Credit: Håvard Strand / Forsvaret

Mr. Gram emphasises that Ukraine's specific needs will dictate production priorities. Domestic production enables Ukrainians to maintain and sustain their resources more effectively.

Denmark, in collaboration with Ukraine, has established a model to fund acquisitions directly from Ukraine's defence industry. Additionally, processes are in place to monitor and ensure project accountability.

Gram explained that the NOK 500 million contribution will be part of this arrangement, enabling Norwegian funds to have an immediate impact on the ground in Ukraine.

'The fight Ukraine is waging is existential and crucial for the security of Europe as a whole. Sustaining Western support for Ukraine is crucial, and we must continuously seek new ways to support their defence efforts,' the Defence Minister concludes.