Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik announced that his country will provide Ukraine with $7 billion for defense needs next year. He stated this during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, who began a working visit to Norway.
“Minister Sandvik confirmed continued support for Ukraine and announced the decision to allocate $7 billion for defense needs next year. I am grateful to the government and people of Norway for their significant contribution, the provision of F-16s and support for Ukrainian aviation, for participation in the PURL initiative and the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, — said Denys Shmyhal.
He also thanked Sandvik for the invitation to participate in the meeting of the defense ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), in which Ukraine will participate for the first time.
After the negotiations, the parties signed two memorandums. The first concerns the introduction of uniform quality standards for defense products manufactured or supplied within the framework of bilateral agreements. The second document provides for the creation of a joint defense enterprise in Ukraine. According to Shmyhal, this decision will contribute to strengthening the country’s defense-industrial potential.
The ministers also discussed the key needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular, strengthening the air defense system.
“Ukraine is ready to share experience in countering enemy drones. A separate topic is strengthening long-range capabilities”, the head of the Ukrainian defense ministry added.
