Ukraine and Norway launch joint production of EW-resistant drones
Photo: Ukraine and Norway to jointly produce drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine and Norway are establishing their first joint production facility for Ukrainian drones. All products manufactured under the project in Norway will be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The project will be funded by Norway using additional funds allocated on top of the previously planned $7 billion in defense support for Ukraine in 2026.
The relevant agreement was signed in Kyiv by the Norwegian Ambassador to Ukraine, Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, and the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration, Serhii Boiev.
This year, Norway plans to allocate a total of over $1.5 billion for the purchase of Ukrainian-made weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Drones
These are mid-strike drones designed to strike targets in the enemy’s immediate rear at a distance of 50–200 km.
Mid-strike drones have a longer range and carry a heavier payload than FPV drones, and they also have better resistance to electronic warfare. At the same time, they are much cheaper than missiles with the same range. The first systems manufactured in Norway are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by this summer.
The agreement also provides for the development of comprehensive industrial cooperation, including research. In particular, the experience gained through this project will allow Norway to expand its production capabilities in this critically important area.
Ukrainian weapons joint production
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine was beginning to export drones to Europe. According to him, several representative offices will be opened, and the security of the European Union will rely on Ukrainian drones and technologies.
Europe is ready to purchase Ukrainian drones and technology, while Ukraine is ready to purchase European ones. For example, Germany will begin manufacturing drones that have already been field-tested on the front lines, specifically the TYTAN Interceptor drones.
In addition, the French company Renault, in partnership with the defense firm Turgis Gaillard, will produce long-range drones for Ukraine. Overall, France and Ukraine have been working for quite some time on launching drone production for the Ukrainian army.
