The development of a Ukrainian air force is one of the government’s priority areas for military support to Ukraine. Norway will donate six F-16s during 2024 and 2025 and has contributed to the training of Ukrainian pilots and support personnel in Denmark. Contribute with maintenance and weapons The need for, among other things, spare parts, weapons and support for the maintenance of Ukraine’s F-16 aircraft fleet is great. – That within a short time Ukraine has become able to receive and operate the F-16 is impressive, but the job is not finished even if the first planes are in place, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp). Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) was in the port city of Odesa on 29 and 30 October. Photo: Jan Langhaug / NTB – A functioning air defense also requires weapons and that the planes are maintained, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp). This must be financed. – Both pilots and ground crew must be trained and educated, as we have contributed to in Denmark, and a whole system of support must be in place. Norway will contribute to this, says Gram. More maritime support Great Britain and Norway lead the maritime coalition which will support Ukraine in building up a stronger Ukrainian sea and coastal defence. Through the coalition, Norway and Great Britain help to coordinate many countries’ efforts towards Ukraine within the maritime field. The government has previously announced support of around NOK 750 million for measures and work through the coalition. This effort is now being strengthened with NOK 50 million this year. The support includes, among other things, training of Ukrainian forces, contributions to building and operating training facilities, as well as supplying various types of equipment. Ukrainian soldiers train on a river in the Kherson region Photo: Ivan Antypenko / Reuters – This year we are donating around 130 rubber boats, the first of which have been delivered. Some of the boats are delivered from the Norwegian Armed Forces, others are purchased from the civilian market. We also acquire and donate some equipment that can be used with the rubber boats. Some of the equipment will be put into use during the training of small boat drivers for river operations, which we help to carry out, says Gram. Engagement from the private sector The Minister of Defense met the Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov and the Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Strategic Industry, Herman Smetanin. On the agenda was further support for Ukraine, and opportunities for support for the Ukrainian defense industry. Gram also visited defense industry companies in Odesa. – To meet the enormous needs in Ukraine, significant investment and commitment from the private sector is needed. Production of artillery shells at the arms manufacturer Nammo. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB – Earlier this year, we opened the way for Norwegian defense technology to be transferred to Ukraine, and are contributing funding to make this happen. Artillery grenades developed by Nammo can thus be produced in Ukraine, says the Minister of Defence. Visited rehabilitation center Gram also visited a Ukrainian rehabilitation center for injured soldiers. Norway will contribute to strengthening the Ukrainian sanitary service and increase the capacity of such centres. In the first instance, it is a question of counseling and training in treatment and rehabilitation with the help of interdisciplinary teams. Norway contributes to the rehabilitation and training of injured Ukrainian soldiers. Photo: Ralf Hirschberger / AFP – Ukraine is fighting a demanding battle along the front line. Access to enough military personnel and material to stand in this war over time is still very important. Looking after sick or injured soldiers is a central part of this, says Gram. Published 30.10.2024, at 21.25
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