– This is world-leading technology and top-class industry, developed at Kongsberg. It is good to see that it is in place in Ukraine, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap). Together with Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp), he visited Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace today. Among other things, they produce air defense systems, something Ukrainian President Volodomy Zelenskyj asked the Storting to donate to protect against Russian attacks. Since Russia attacked its neighbor to the south, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeated the plea to Western countries for support. During 2023, the Norwegian support is estimated at close to NOK 14 billion, according to the government’s overview. Around 5.4 billion of this is military support. Need more people – The understanding is probably greater now that we cannot take peace for granted, says managing director Geir Håøy. Photo: Snorre Tønset / news At Kongsberg, there is increased attention for the solutions and weapons they deliver. – In general in Norway, Europe and the world, there is probably an understanding that we cannot take peace for granted, it is probably very clear, says managing director Geir Håøy. Håøy says they aim to add more in the future. – We are growing both within our civilian and military areas. We will need new wise heads, and will increase the number of employees going forward, says Håøy. Effective against cruise missiles Nasams were developed around 30 years ago. In defense circles, the air defense system is referred to as a Norwegian innovation success, which in this instance has helped Ukraine stand up to attacks from Russia. The launch pads are manufactured in Norway, while the missiles in the system, among other things, are made in the USA. Here, the Nasams air defense system is located on Ørland. Photo: Ingrid Lindgaard Stranden On New Year’s Eve, the Nasams system will have shot down 45 out of 45 Russian attack drones, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported. In Nasams there are sensors, command vehicles, communication systems and launch platforms, all of which are mobile. Through the network, the different parts cooperate, and everyone sees the same thing. Before Christmas, news reported that Ukrainian soldiers should have received training in the air defense system in Norway. Støre believes that the Norwegian support is monar. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Photo: Snorre Tønset / news – We see in dramatic fashion the enormous devastation caused in places without air defenses. We are trusted by our allies, so being able to protect ourselves from missile attacks is also in Norway’s interest. Norwegian billion-dollar export The war in Ukraine has led to a great demand for weapons and ammunition. Earlier in January, the government entered into a contract with Norwegian Nammo worth up to NOK 2.6 billion. – We believe that this is a good solution, which means that we can continue to provide support to Ukraine, said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) at the time. – We continuously assess how we will contribute going forward. Now we have just said that we will line up with a tank, so there will certainly be new donations in the future, says the Minister of Defence. According to Statistics Norway, the export of weapons and military vehicles increased from 3.3 billion in 2021 to 4.59 billion in 2022. The Prime Minister will not comment on any future donations to Ukraine. – But let me put it this way, this system is clearly a necessity. It is valued and it provides security, so we make ongoing assessments of it. Norway does not do anything alone, we coordinate well with our allies and Ukraine’s needs. Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) th and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) second. Middle: Kils Molnæær and Ingrid Jensen. Photo: Snorre Tønset / news
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