Norway Announces the Transfer of Iris-T Anti-Aircraft Missiles to Ukraine

The Government of Norway has agreed to transfer Iris-T anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, as well as equipment necessary for demining Ukrainian territories. 

This is reported on the website of the Government of Norway.

"Norway will continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia as long as necessary. Ukraine currently requires increased military and material support. It has a significant need for missiles and ammunition for air defense. Norway supports this to the extent possible",- the statement says.

The Iris-T SAMs will be stationed on ground launch platforms, which will be transferred by Sweden. The missile delivery is part of the 5-year "Nansen" program, valued at 75 billion Norwegian kroner. In early 2023, the Norwegian government accelerated funding for the program by 2.5 billion Norwegian kroner, increasing the total support to 10 billion Norwegian kroner.

The Norwegian Government emphasized the importance of air defense for Ukraine amid Russia's attacks.

"We are now sending missiles for air defense. This constitutes one of the most significant Norwegian contributions to Ukraine in terms of military equipment," stated Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre.

Additionally, Norway confirmed its intention to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. While the exact number of fighter jets hasn't been specified, it's known that 2 fighter jets will be provided for training.

"Norway supports Ukraine's efforts to establish a modern air defense system. This is crucial and necessary. We have already decided to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets and announced that we will provide two Norwegian F-16 fighter jets for training," said the Norwegian Prime Minister at a press conference in Kyiv.

As a result, Norway has become the third NATO country to provide F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv, following the Netherlands and Denmark.

Earlier, following a bilateral meeting between Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both sides agreed to the possible transfer of 42 F-16 fighter jets to Ukrainian defense forces.

The Danish Ministry of Defense also announced the transfer of 19 F-16 fighter jets "to support Ukraine's fight for freedom against Russia's senseless aggression." Eight Ukrainian pilots have already commenced training on Danish Royal Air Force F-16 fighter jets.