Norway to reimburse Romania for the transfer of Patriot systems to Ukraine

29 October, 2024 Romania's Patriot PAC-2. Photo: Romanian Ministry of National Defense 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 Norway, along with other countries, has allocated funding that enabled Romania to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. According to the Norwegian government's website, the air defense system is provided under the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine. "Russian attacks continue unabated, and Ukraine needs more air defense to protect civilians.

Providing protection to Ukraine is a priority for Norway. And I am very pleased that we can help Ukraine acquire new Patriot systems," the Prime Minister stated. He emphasized that Norway's support for Ukraine is based on what Ukraine needs most, and that "we will continue to provide it as long as it is needed."

Jonas Har Stere with Norwegian cadets. October 2024, Norway.

Photo from the politician's Facebook page

Norway has repeatedly prioritized strengthening Ukraine's air defense, both through donations from the Norwegian Armed Forces' stockpiles and international cooperation initiatives. Among other things, Norway donated the NASAMS air defense system. It has also provided personnel to train Ukrainian soldiers in the use of air defense systems.

Earlier this year, Norway allocated about NOK 4 billion to fund Ukrainian air defense, including as part of Germany's initiative to purchase Patriot missiles for Ukraine. During this summer's NATO summit, the Norwegian government announced that NOK 1 billion of this amount would be used in connection with the donation, in cooperation with Germany, of a complete IRIS-T air defense battery to Ukraine, as well as for repairs and maintenance.

Romanian Patriot systems

In October, the Patriot missile defense system provided by the Romanian government arrived in Ukraine.

Trailed launcher M903 of the Patriot PAC-3 system of the Romanian forces, June 2024.

Photo: DVIDS

The country provided the Patriot system in the most advanced PAC-3+ configuration, which can effectively intercept ballistic missiles.

This version is equipped with a more powerful second-generation AN/MPQ-65 radar with a longer detection range, better target identification, and ballistic missile tracking capabilities.

This comes within a month of President Klaus Johannis signing a decree on September 5 to transfer the system to Ukraine free of charge.