Ukraine and Norway are establishing the first joint production of Ukrainian drones. Several thousand mid-strike drones are planned to be manufactured in Norway. All products made under the project will be transferred to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The project will be funded by the Norwegian side using additional funds allocated on top of the previously planned $7 billion in defense support for Ukraine in 2026.
The agreement was signed in Kyiv by Norway’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, and Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Serhii Boiev.
The agreement opens the way to scaling up the production of Ukrainian technologies that have already proven effective on the battlefield, as well as strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
This year, Norway plans to allocate more than $1.5 billion in total to purchase Ukrainian-made weapons for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
“I thank Norway for its consistent support and focus specifically on the capabilities that are critically needed by Ukraine. Joint production projects and the provision of a guaranteed basic supply of drones for brigades directly strengthen our forces on the battlefield. Norway gains the opportunity to produce technologies that have proven their effectiveness, while Ukraine receives the drones needed to seize the initiative at the front. This is a true win-win partnership,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov.
The first systems manufactured in Norway are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian Defense Forces by this summer.
The agreement also provides for the development of comprehensive industrial cooperation, including research activities.
“Supporting Ukraine’s struggle is the most important thing we do for Norway’s security. This is cooperation that benefits both countries. It is an important and concrete step toward deepening Norwegian-Ukrainian cooperation, while simultaneously strengthening Norway’s defense industry and giving Ukraine the opportunity to produce drones in safe conditions on Norwegian territory,” emphasized Norway’s Minister of Defense, Tore Onshuus Sandvik.
According to him, the experience gained within this project will enable Norway to expand its production capabilities in this critically important area.
