Norway to Strengthen Ukrainian Navy
16 December, 2024 Illustrative photo of the flags of Ukraine and Norway. Photo from open sources Norway has allocated a new military aid package aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian Navy.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense reported about this. Norway will provide NOK 2.7 billion (EUR 230 million) to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy. The funding will be used, among other things, to protect people in Ukraine from attacks, as well as for demining operations and training of Ukrainian soldiers.
"Ukraine needs more support to deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea in the future. It is important to protect the Ukrainian population and Ukrainian infrastructure from attacks by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. It is also important to protect the maritime exports of grain and other products that bring significant revenues to Ukraine," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
The support includes, among other things, the transfer of equipment directly from the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as the purchase of military equipment from industry for further transfer.
Mine clearance
Part of the funds will be used to provide systems for demining operations in Ukraine's territorial waters. "Mines pose a significant threat to maritime security and safe passage in the Black Sea, and mine clearance operations are very complex. The systems we are providing will enhance the ability of Ukrainian forces to detect and clear mines along their coastline," said Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram.
Ukraine's Sandown-class minehunters "Cherkasy" and "Chernihiv".
June 2023. Great Britain. Photo credits: Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
It is also reported that a significant portion of the funding will be directed to efforts related to innovation and autonomy in maritime capabilities within the Maritime Capability Coalition.
Training of Ukrainian soldiers
NOK 130 million (EUR11 million) has been allocated to support the Maritime Training Center in 2025.
At this center, personnel from a number of countries, including Norway, train Ukrainian soldiers in maritime operations.
Training of the Ukrainian military. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Norway
The Norwegian government has also allocated NOK 150 million (EUR12.8 million) for the purchase of small vessels. These will be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As well as to finance the training of Ukrainian small boat navigators by Norwegian army personnel for river operations, which will be carried out in a Romanian training center.
At the end of November 2024, Norway approved annual assistance to Ukraine until 2030, amounting to at least £3.2 billion.
It is noted that NOK 22.5 billion (EUR1.92 billion) will be allocated for military aid, and another NOK 12.5 billion (EUR1.06 billion) for humanitarian and civilian support.