Norway Developing Low-Cost Precision Rocket System for Ukraine’s Air Defenses

Norway is financing the development of a low-cost, laser-guided rocket concept for Ukraine that could be an analogue of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), as part of a $313 million package focused on air-defense-related munitions, according to Defense Express on December 18.

The outlet reported that Norway’s government set aside approximately $97.8 million to procure munitions for Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets through the US Foreign Military Sales mechanism, and approximately $48.9 million for surface-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s Soviet-designed S-300 air defense system.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the equipment would be procured through established US support mechanisms for Ukraine.

The remaining funding, Defense Express stated, appeared intended to support the creation of what Norwegian authorities described as a “high-precision” system that can convert inexpensive rockets into guided weapons capable of being launched from aircraft or ground-based air-defense mounts.

Defense Express stated that the description aligns with the APKWS approach of adding guidance and control sections to 70-mm rockets; however, it noted that Norway did not identify the developer or a delivery timeline.

Norway’s government has previously stated that its 2025 military support for Ukraine totals approximately $7.1 billion under the Nansen Support Programme, and that it has utilized NATO- and US-coordinated mechanisms to expedite the delivery of priority equipment for Ukraine’s defense.

Earlier, it was reported that BAE Systems presented a dual-mode APKWS II concept that adds an infrared seeker alongside laser guidance to speed engagements and broaden effectiveness against targets like drones and cruise missiles

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