Main image: 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
Norway has allocated 500 million kroner (45 million dollars) for funding the production of weapons and military equipment by Ukrainian enterprises for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This was announced by Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram during a meeting of Northern European defense ministers in Copenhagen on Thursday.
The meeting focused on the Russian-Ukrainian war and Ukraine's needs for support.
The Norwegian minister stated that this funding will be directed to Ukraine's defense industry to accelerate the 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," emphasized Arild Gram.
He noted that production priorities will be determined by the specific needs of Ukraine's Armed Forces.
The official also pointed out that domestic production allows Ukrainians to more effectively maintain and sustain their resources.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense added that Denmark, in cooperation with Ukraine, has introduced a funding model for direct purchases from Ukraine's defense industry. Additionally, there are monitoring and accountability procedures for the project.
Gram explained that the 500 million kroner contribution will be part of this arrangement.
This aid was announced last week by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
