- Category
- War in Ukraine
Norway Commits $306 Million to Help Shield Ukraine From Russian Ballistic Missiles
Prefer U24 Media on Google
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Norway will provide an additional 3 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $306 million or €268 million) to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, including funding for Patriot interceptor missiles and participation in a joint European missile defense initiative, according to the Norwegian government on July 8.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
The funding will support both the US-led Patriot procurement program (PURL) and Ukraine’s effort to develop a specialized anti-ballistic missile defense system alongside European partners.
According to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Norway will join Denmark, Germany, and Canada in ordering new Patriot interceptor missiles directly from the US manufacturer through the Patriot User Group and Related Logistics (PURL) program.
Because production timelines remain lengthy, Oslo also plans to purchase Patriot missiles from countries that already operate the system to accelerate deliveries to Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s struggle to defend itself is also our struggle. Ukraine faces Russian attacks every day. Russia continues to carry out air strikes against civilians, Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure. Ukraine succeeds in shooting down most drones and cruise missiles, but it needs to strengthen its protection against ballistic missiles. This is one of Ukraine’s most urgent priorities. Norway is therefore now allocating NOK 3 billion to air defence,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.
The Norwegian government also confirmed it will contribute funding to Ukraine’s initiative to jointly develop a dedicated anti-ballistic missile defense system with European partners.
While officials did not identify the project by name, Ukrainian defense media have previously linked the initiative to the FREYA missile defense program, which Germany has already agreed to support.
-64649b26504a150e533e4e4cd48d9ee0.jpg)
Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik said the project could also strengthen Norway’s own long-term security.
“Ballistic missiles could also pose a serious threat to Norway and other allied countries in the future. Therefore, the Ukrainian initiative is also of interest from the perspective of strengthening Norway’s own defense capability,” Sandvik said.
According to the Norwegian government, Oslo has provided approximately 30 billion Norwegian kroner (around $3 billion) in air defense assistance to Ukraine between 2023 and 2025. The government also said additional funding for Ukraine’s air defense is planned in 2026, although the total amount has not yet been disclosed.
The announcement comes days after Russia’s July 6 mass missile and drone attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region, one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital this year, which killed at least 28 people and injured more than 140.
The attack, during which Ukrainian air defenses failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles launched by Russia, renewed Kyiv’s calls for additional Patriot interceptors and other advanced air defense systems from its Western partners.
Discuss this article:
-9a7b3a98ed5c506e0b77a6663f5727c5.png)
