Ukraine and Norway are launching the first joint production of Ukrainian drones on Norwegian territory. The project involves the production of several thousand mid-strike drones, which will be transferred to the Defense Forces by the summer of this year.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.
It is noted that the relevant agreement was signed in Kyiv by the Norwegian Ambassador to Ukraine Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen and the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boev.
The agreement is expected to scale up the production of Ukrainian technologies that have already proven their effectiveness on the battlefield and strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries.
It is noted that the project will be financed by Norway through additional funds directed towards the previously planned $7 billion in defense support for Ukraine in 2026. In total, this year the country plans to allocate more than $1.5 billion for the purchase of Ukrainian-made weapons for the needs of the Defense Forces.
“Projects for joint production and basic guaranteed provision of drones to brigades directly strengthen our forces on the battlefield. Norway gets the opportunity to produce technologies that have proven their effectiveness, and Ukraine gets the drones necessary to seize the initiative at the front. This is a true win-win partnership,” said Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The agreement also provides for the development of comprehensive industrial cooperation, including joint research.
“Supporting Ukraine's struggle is the most important thing we do for Norway's security. This cooperation is beneficial to both countries. This is an important and concrete step towards deepening Norwegian-Ukrainian cooperation, which simultaneously strengthens Norway's defense industry and gives Ukraine the opportunity to produce drones in safe conditions on Norwegian territory,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshus Sandvik.
According to him, the experience gained within the framework of this project will allow Norway to increase production capacity in a critically important area.
It is expected that the first systems manufactured in Norway will be transferred to the Ukrainian Defense Forces by the summer of this year.