Norway to invest €580 million in uncrewed surface vessels for Ukraine
Norway to invest €580 million in uncrewed surface vessels for Ukraine (x.com/Forsvarsdep)
Norway plans to develop and produce uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) on Ukrainian soil. Nearly €580 million has been allocated for the initiative, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
According to the statement, Norway has allocated approximately 6.7 billion Norwegian kroner (NOK), or around €580 million, to support the "maritime coalition," which the country co-leads with the United Kingdom.
"Part of this funding will be used to develop and produce uncrewed surface vessels using KDA (Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace) technology, with production based in Ukraine," said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore Onshuus Sandvik.
The Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (KDA) has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian partner to jointly develop and produce uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in Ukraine, using Norwegian technology and expertise.
"Uncrewed vessels play a crucial role in helping Ukraine defend its territory and neutralize the Russian navy in the Black Sea," the Norwegian Ministry of Defense emphasized.
Yesterday, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik visited Ukraine and announced an additional $400 million in funding for drones for the Ukrainian military.
In November 2024, Norwegian parliamentary parties agreed to allocate 35 billion Norwegian kroner (NOK) — approximately $3.2 billion — in assistance to Ukraine for 2025.
