Norway Increases Defense Spending by 50% to Sustain Support for Ukraine

Norway’s public spending on defense rose by 50% in 2025, reaching approximately $17 billion, with government support for Ukraine identified as the main factor behind the increase, according to Statistics Norway (SSB) on June 8.

According to Statistics Norway, defense expenditures grew from approximately $11.4 billion in 2024 to $17 billion in 2025, raising defense spending to 3.1% of Norway’s GDP. The agency said that assistance provided to Ukraine accounted for the largest share of the increase.

“Overføringene domineres av Ukraina-støtten, men utenom dette er det også en liten andel som går til Natos driftsbudsjett,” Statistics Norway stated in its report.

According to the agency, international transfers—including funding directed toward Ukraine—represented 1.01% of GDP in 2025. Defense investments accounted for 0.88% of GDP, while spending on personnel, goods, and services totaled 1.23%.

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Statistics Norway described the rise in defense expenditures as one of the most notable shifts in the country’s public spending data in recent years. According to the report, support for Ukraine was the primary driver behind the increase, while a smaller share of the funds was allocated to NATO’s operating budget.

During a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reaffirmed Oslo’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and supporting broader European efforts to counter ballistic missile threats.

Norway has also joined a new $500 million NATO-backed initiative to procure weapons, equipment, and ammunition for Ukraine from US stockpiles under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism, while additionally providing F-16 flight simulators for pilot training.

Norway’s support for Ukraine extends beyond military assistance. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Norway has helped evacuate more than 4,000 Ukrainian patients and family members for medical treatment across Europe through a joint program involving the EU and allied countries. The initiative is designed to reduce pressure on Ukraine’s healthcare system while providing specialized care for war casualties.

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