Recently, a number of Ukrainian cities have been hit by Russian missiles and bombs. Many civilians have lost their lives, including after several hospitals have been hit. Support for air defense has long been one of Ukraine’s highest priority needs. Earlier in the week, US President Joe Biden announced that NATO countries will send more air defense systems to Ukraine in the coming months. Today, Prime Minister Støre says that Norway is spending NOK one billion from the Nansen program for just this. – The brutal attacks we have seen in the last week show why it is so crucial for the Ukrainians to get protection against Russian attacks from the air, says Prime Minister Støre. He says that Norway, in cooperation with Germany, will this autumn donate a complete Iris-T anti-aircraft battery to Ukraine. The Iris-T is a medium-range air defense system that can shoot down missiles and other targets in the air. Opening for larger Nansen package The donation is part of the Norwegian Nansen program for Ukraine, a government support program of NOK 75 billion that ensures aid to Ukraine from 2023 to 2027. Norway is donating the German-produced Iris-T air defense system to Ukraine. Here Iris-T was at an exhibition in Berlin two years ago. Photo: FABRIZIO BENSCH / Reuters In the revised national budget, the government proposed that up to NOK 4 billion from the Nansen program will go to air defense in 2024. A large part of these funds will go to the German air defense initiative Immediate Action for Air Defense (IAAD). On Thursday, Støre says that the Nansen program can also be adjusted. – I do not want to rule out the Nansen program for Ukraine being further developed in terms of scope, amount and structure. We will have a dialogue with the Storting about that, says Støre. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap) says that the government is in close contact with Ukraine when deciding how the aid will be used. – It is the Ukrainians who know the needs best, says Eide to news. Wants larger and faster weapons production The war in Ukraine has triggered new needs also at home, according to Jonas Gahr Støre. The news about Iris-T comes on the same day that the Prime Minister says that he wants to strengthen cooperation with the arms industry. Over the summer, he will call the industry to a meeting to hear what is needed to produce more weapons and ammunition in Norway, and how it can be produced faster. Soldiers in the Artillery Battalion load grenades during a military exercise in Troms in 2020. The government wants Norwegian arms manufacturers to produce more ammunition. Photo: Ole-Sverre Haugli / Defense – It is critically necessary for us to know that we have access to what we need to have a good defence, says the Prime Minister to news. He wants political cooperation with the industry, which has already received billions of kroner in support to make faster and more. – When we have given our equipment to Ukraine, it is not just a matter of going somewhere to restore and buy as if it were a shop item, he says. Must coordinate within Nato Leaders of Nato’s 32 member states are gathered in Washington DC these days. During the summit, it became known that NATO countries will start reporting what kind of weapons they have in stock, and what they can produce. NATO takes over the task the US has had of coordinating arms deliveries to Ukraine. Military stocks must be replenished. New ammunition and artillery will be produced. – We have a lot of high quality, but low volume in Norway. Now we have to listen, listen to experiences and see how we can work together, says Støre. More funds for maintenance In addition to increasing the Norwegian grant to Germany’s IAAD initiative, money is being set aside to support Ukraine with the repair and maintenance of air defense equipment. This is an international initiative that is carried out in third countries. Norway is among the leaders in the maritime coalition for Ukraine and is a member of the fighter coalition and the air defense coalition. – A lot of good work is being done in the three coalitions Norway has chosen to prioritize, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp). He points out that one of the most important things Norway can do when it comes to air defense is to ensure that material quickly arrives in Ukraine. – Norway is a significant contributor to Ukraine in the field of air defense and is also the system owner for Nasams, emphasizes Gram, referring to the Norwegian-developed air defense system. Published 11.07.2024, at 1:30 p.m
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The government provides more air defense to Ukraine and calls for a meeting with the arms industry – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
