United to win: Norway to provide Ukraine with new aid package, including F-16 jets and NASAMS air defense systems

Norway is preparing a new 500 million euro aid package for Ukraine, including F-16 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems.

The Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, Hennadii Kovalenko, announced that at the Kyiv Security Forum.

He discussed the specifics of Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram's visit to Odesa.

The Ukrainian military toured Gram through the rehabilitation center for service members, discussed measures for strengthening the border, and provided updates on the current security situation.

"He stressed that Norway would provide an additional aid package worth 500 million euros, which includes F-16 and NASAMS systems," Kovalenko said.

According to the representative of the Ministry of Defense, Norway also declared its readiness to invest in the Ukrainian defense industry.

As reported earlier, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram visited Odesa and met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov.

Umerov thanked Norway for allocating a new package of military aid worth 500 million euros and for deciding to hand over six F-16 aircraft by the end of the year.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed:

• strengthening air defense systems,
• providing Ukraine with missile systems,
• and investing in the Ukrainian defense and industrial complex.

"Today, we went to check out the defense industry facilities in Odesa, and I have to say I'm really impressed by the significant growth in production and the high level of innovation," said Gram.

The ministers also visited the military rehabilitation center in Odesa.

For reference:

Norway provides military assistance to Ukraine; in particular, the country has joined the aviation coalition.

It should be noted that in July, the Norwegian government decided to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. At the time, it was stated that the first planes would arrive in 2024.

Also, the Netherlands previously announced the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine, although the exact number of aircraft was not publicly confirmed. The Netherlands has already delivered the first batch of F-16s.

Moreover, Ukraine can use the F-16 fighter jets transferred by the Netherlands on Russian territory for defensive purposes in accordance with international law.

Also, Norway will allocate 118.8 million dollars to purchase weapons systems and spare parts for Ukrainian F-16s.