By Leila Nezirevic
LONDON (AA) – The Norwegian government announced Tuesday it will provide Ukraine with 1.4 billion Norwegian kroner ($128 million) to boost its air defense capabilities.
“Norway will provide NOK 1.4 billion in funding to expand air defence systems in Ukraine. Together with other countries, Norway is providing funding that will enable Romania to send a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement.
“Greater air defense has been one of Ukraine’s most critical needs since the start of the war. Norway’s support to Ukraine is based on what Ukraine needs most, and we will continue to provide support for as long as it is necessary,” he added.
Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram called on the West to increase their support for Kyiv, emphasizing that air defense is one of Ukraine’s most critical needs.
“Without adequate air defense equipment, Ukraine cannot protect the military installations and forces that are defending the country – nor can the country provide protection to children and adults trying to carry on with their lives or safeguard the civilian infrastructure that is to provide electricity and heating throughout the winter. It is therefore absolutely essential to increase air defense capacity,’ Gram said in a separate statement on Tuesday.
The support is being provided as part of the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine, which normally includes military support, humanitarian aid funding to maintain civilian infrastructure and critical societal functions, as well as funding to support the reconstruction of Ukrainian society.
However, the Nordic country has given priority to enhancing Kyiv’s air defense via donations from the Norwegian Armed Force’s own stores and through international cooperation initiatives.
Norway donated the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) and provided personnel to help train Ukrainian soldiers in the use of the equipment.
Earlier this year, the Scandinavian country allocated around $364 million in funding for Kyiv’s air defense, including under the German-led initiative to procure Patriot missiles for Ukraine.
On Monday, Norway agreed with the US authorities to buy new anti-aircraft missiles for over $363 million in the largest single acquisition of weapons that the Norwegian Armed Forces have ever made.