Ukraine and Norway have agreed on priority areas of defense cooperation ahead of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in the Ramstein format, scheduled for April 15.
These include strengthening air defense, developing unmanned systems, supporting innovative projects, and enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
During a working discussion between Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Norway’s Defense Minister Tore Sandvik, the sides outlined key areas of cooperation for the near term.
Among Ukraine’s priorities:
- strengthening air defense and advancing the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative
- support for the “Czech initiative”
- support for innovative projects to strengthen the Defense Forces
The sides also discussed support for a project to provide brigades with basic drone capabilities. This is one of the key areas for strengthening the military, helping to increase the effectiveness of striking Russian forces on the front line.
The Ukrainian side briefed partners on the progress of the War Plan and recent results.
In particular, Ukraine has:
- improved airspace protection
- scaled up the “small air defense” system using interceptor drones
- increased the effectiveness of targeting
March became the most productive month under the Army of Drones.Bonus program in terms of destroyed Russian forces’ targets. Ukraine’s Defense Forces are also carrying out asymmetric operations aimed at reducing the aggressor’s economic potential.
Ukraine emphasized the critical importance of partner support in protecting its airspace. Deliveries of air defense systems and other solutions helped the country get through a difficult winter period, preserve critical infrastructure, and stabilize the energy situation.
Ukraine’s defense minister thanked his Norwegian counterpart for consistent support and invited him to visit Ukraine, including to observe the operation of “small air defense” systems and unmanned systems. Ukraine is ready to share this experience with Norway to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
