Ukraine Deepens NASAMS Missile Defense Ties With Norwegian Giant Kongsberg

Ukraine is set to deepen its partnership with Norwegian defense company Kongsberg, a key supplier of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced following a meeting with Eirik Lie, executive vice president of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA and president of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace on January 16.

The talks centered on enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including anti-drone systems, the potential localization of their production in Ukraine, and the advancement of maritime capabilities.

“We discussed the possibility of integrating Ukrainian-made air defense systems into NASAMS to increase its effectiveness,” Umerov said.

The NASAMS systems have played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s defense since November 2022, when the US first delivered them in response to a surge in Russian airstrikes. As Ukraine faces ongoing Russian assaults on its energy infrastructure, it has intensified efforts to secure additional air defense resources from international allies.

Previously, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine needs 20 additional air defense systems to defend the nation’s power infrastructure from Russian assaults.

Norway remains one of Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters. Umerov highlighted that Oslo has allocated $2.1 billion for military aid to Ukraine in 2025, solidifying its role as a key European partner in Kyiv’s defense efforts.