Norway and France agree on military support for Ukraine worth over US$700 million
France and Norway have signed an agreement to provide Ukraine with new capabilities in surveillance, situational awareness and aerial bombs.
Source: Norwegian government website, as reported by European Pravda
Details: "Ukraine is now in the fourth winter following the invasion. The nation faces enormous military, civilian, and humanitarian needs as a consequence of Russian attacks. The new agreement between Norway and France permits us to cooperate on delivery of capabilities that Ukraine needs," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The deal allows Norway and France to work together to supply essential defence equipment either by purchasing from French manufacturers or providing from French stockpiles. In the first phase, Norway will allocate around 4.2 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately US$440 million), while France will guarantee a loan of about 3 billion Norwegian kroner (US$300 million).
Norway and France signed an agreement to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries last year.
"France is becoming a more important ally to Norway. Last year we signed a strategic partnership, which caters for closer security cooperation. The cooperation to support Ukraine is yet another expression of finding together to enhance European security," Støre added.
"The projects in this agreement meet crucial Ukraine priorities and have been identified following close dialogue with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The projects we have identified in this agreement will provide rapid effects for Ukraine," said Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
The agreement includes the acquisition of a large quantity of air-to-ground weapons and surveillance and situational assessment systems from the French defence industry.
"The air-to-ground weapons are flexible glide bombs launched from combat aircraft that Ukraine currently operates. Ukraine already has positive experience with these weapons. Now we are making sure Ukraine gets the weapons they have asked for," Sandvik added.
Background:
- UK Defence Secretary John Healey said that allies pledged US$35 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2026 during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
- The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden have contributed US$500 million to purchase US weapons for Ukraine under the PURL initiative.
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