Ukraine and Norway have initiated their first collaborative project to manufacture mid-strike drones on Norwegian soil, with plans to produce several thousand units for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The agreement was formalized in Kyiv, where Norway’s ambassador to Ukraine, Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Serhiy Boiev, signed the deal. All products developed under this initiative will be supplied to Ukraine’s defense forces.
This partnership aims to enhance the production capabilities of Ukrainian technologies that have already proven effective in combat, thereby strengthening the defense capabilities of both nations. Norway will finance the project, with plans to allocate over $1.5 billion this year for the procurement of Ukrainian-made weapons for the Ukrainian defense forces.
The first systems produced in Norway are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by summer 2023. Additionally, the agreement encompasses the development of comprehensive industrial cooperation, including research initiatives.
Prior to this agreement, on April 14, Ukraine and Norway signed a declaration on defense partnership, which outlines Norway’s commitment to support the production of Ukrainian drones and Ukraine’s obligation to share relevant experience and information with Norway.
Ukraine and Norway have established a partnership to produce drones in Norway, enhancing military capabilities for both countries. The initiative is set to deliver its first units to Ukraine by summer 2023, backed by significant Norwegian funding.