Norway ups defence spend for Ukraine including $50 million for drones
The Black Hornet drone was acquired by Norway and the UK to donate to Ukraine from 2022. (Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold, Forsvaret)
Norway previously committed to spend NOK700 million on drones for Ukraine as part of a multinational effort in January 2025, as the latter country enters the third year-anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Russian forces.
Norway has announced plans to provide a further NOK3.5 billion (US$312 million) for the procurement of military equipment for Ukraine, from the Ukrainian defence industry. It also plans to provide NOK600 million (US$53.9 million) for the procurement of various drones and the development of drone technology for the Ukrainian armed forces.
“By purchasing military equipment directly from Ukraine, we are helping to increase the country’s production capacity, which is a crucial component of our military support,” said Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
In January 2025, Norway announced that it was donating NOK 700 million to a multinational initiative – funds that would partly go towards procuring drones for Ukraine. In February, Norway became a member of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, led by Latvia and the UK. The NOK600 million announced this month will reportedly be in addition to the amount announced in January.
“Norway is already contributing significantly to the acquisition and development of drones, and we see it as natural for Norway to also become a member of the drone coalition that has been established,” said Norway Minister of Defense Tore O Sandvik.
Norway joins Sweden as the second Scandinavian country to announce additional support for Ukraine in 2025. The latter country recently announced a SEK1.2 billion (US$112 million) donation for air defence systems to Ukraine. It also plans to increase defence cooperation with Denmark, with proposals from Norway and Denmark to be released in May 2025.
The proposals will reportedly look at building on its Nordic cooperation within the framework of NATO, and “investigating opportunities for stronger industrial ties to support our own defence sectors and our continued commitment to Ukraine”, according to a joint statement Denmark and Norway.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
![Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says]()
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
