Norway to Provide Ukraine with Inflatable Boats, F-16 Parts, and Weapons
31 October, 2024 Illustrative photo of an inflatable boat. Source: Ukrainian Navy. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram has announced new military assistance to Ukraine to strengthen its air force and navy.
This is stated on the Norwegian government's website. During a visit to Odesa region, Gram announced that Norway would increase support for the Ukrainian Air Force with an additional contribution of up to NOK 1.3 billion, which will be used to purchase weapons and spare parts for F-16s. It is reported that the contribution is made through the American JUMPSTART mechanism.
F-16 fighter jet of the Ukrainian Air Force.
August 2024. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine
"The development of Ukrainian air defense is one of the priorities of our government's military support for Ukraine. Norway will provide six F-16 aircraft throughout 2024 and 2025, and has also contributed to the training of Ukrainian pilots and support staff in Denmark.
The need for spare parts, weapons and technical support for the Ukrainian F-16 air fleet is significant," the statement reads. With this contribution, Norway is helping to improve Ukraine's air defense in cooperation with other members of the Air Force Capacity Building Coalition. The government will officially present the issue to the Storting (national parliament) later this fall.
Ukrainian F-16 fighters.
August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force
"The fact that Ukraine has quickly acquired the ability to receive and operate F-16s is impressive, but the work is not yet complete, although the first aircraft are already in place. Functional air defense requires not only aircraft, but also weapons and regular maintenance.
Funding is needed to operate and maintain the donated aircraft. The pilots and ground crew must be trained and educated, as we have done in Denmark, and a comprehensive support system must be established. Norway will contribute to this," added Gram.
Strengthening the fleet
The United Kingdom and Norway lead the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, which aims to strengthen Ukraine's naval and coastal defense.
Through this coalition, Norway and the United Kingdom coordinate the efforts of many countries to provide maritime support to Ukraine. The Norwegian government has previously allocated about NOK 750 million to initiatives within the coalition. This year, this support has been increased by another NOK 50 million.
Illustrative photo of an inflatable boat.
Source: Ukrainian Navy.
In general, the support package includes training for the Ukrainian military, development and management of an international training center, and provision of various types of equipment. "This year we are donating about 130 inflatable boats, and the first deliveries have already been made. Some of them come from the Armed Forces, others from the civilian market.
We are also supplying equipment to accompany the boats, including personal equipment for soldiers. Some of this equipment will be used to train small boat operators for riverine operations, an initiative we are supporting for the Ukrainian forces," stated Gram.
Military assistance from Norway
Militarnyi recently reported that Norway has allocated NOK 1.4 billion to help supply the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store explained that, along with other countries, Norway had allocated funding that allowed Romania to send the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
According to the Norwegian government's website, the air defense system is provided under the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine.