Norway joins air defense coalition to support Ukraine

7 March, 2024 NASAMS launcher. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Norway The Norwegian government joined the air defense coalition, which will support Ukraine with air defense systems, missiles, and aircraft.

The government of the Kingdom of Norway announced this. The Norwegian government is generally increasing its support for Ukraine through other arrangements. Joining the air defense coalition should increase Norway's contribution to the overall assistance that Ukraine so desperately needs.

Norwegian Defence Minister Bjorn Arild Gram signed the letter of intent.

Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram during the signing of the letter of intent. Photo credits: Norwegian Ministry of Defense

"It is completely natural for Norway to be part of such an air defense coalition. Norwegian NASAMS contributes to saving Ukrainian lives and protecting critical infrastructure every day," Bjorn pointed out.

In addition to joining the air defense coalition, Norway is involved in two other initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities. First of all, this regards the maritime coalition led by the governments of the United Kingdom and Norway and the F-16 coalition, within which Norway will transfer its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and begin training technical personnel and pilots. The third one is the air defense coalition, led by the governments of France and Germany.

Within its participation, the Norwegian government plans to increase the supply of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine.

Illustrative photo of the NASAMS missile launch. Photo from open sources

According to the Ministry of Defense of Norway, the systems have demonstrated high efficiency in protecting Ukrainian skies from missiles and drones. "We have said we will support where it is most needed.

Air defense is high on Ukraine's priority list. It is absolutely necessary to protect military departments, cities, and critical infrastructure needed to keep society running," the Minister of Defense added. Militarnyi previously reported that the Norwegian government proposed that the country's parliament approve the order for additional NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine.

This referred to ten new launchers and four command posts to be purchased from Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace (KDA).