Norway to Allocate Over $240 Million to Strengthen Ukraine’s Naval Forces

The Norwegian government will allocate NOK 2.7 billion [about $242 million] to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy. This was announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a joint visit to the Haakonsvern naval base with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to a press release from the Norwegian government. 

‘Ukraine needs additional support to further weaken Russian naval forces in the Black Sea. It is necessary to protect the Ukrainian population and infrastructure from attacks by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. It is also important to protect the export of grain and other goods by sea, which provides important revenue for Ukraine,’ he said.

According to the Norwegian Prime Minister, the funds will be allocated to Ukraine under the Nansen Support Programme.

At the same time, Jonas Støre noted that part of the funds will be used to provide systems for demining operations and training for the Ukrainian military.

‘Mines are a serious problem for the safe movement of ships in the Black Sea, and demining operations are very complex. The systems we are providing will enhance the ability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to detect and clear mines along the coast. We are working on a number of targeted innovation and development projects to strengthen maritime security,’ said Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

The Norwegian government has also allocated NOK 150 million for the purchase of small boats to be donated, as well as for the Norwegian Armed Forces' contribution to the training and education of Ukrainian small boat drivers for river operations at a training centre.

The announcement also states that the Maritime Training Centre in Romania will receive support of up to NOK 130 million in 2025. At this centre, instructors from several countries, including Norway, train Ukrainian soldiers in maritime operations.