Norway to purchase vital F-16 ammunition and air defence for Ukraine

‘We expect swift delivery of this package, which Ukraine relies on to repel Russian attacks and continue its fight for freedom. The long-term nature of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine and the flexibility it offers put Norway in a unique position as regards support for Ukraine. Ukraine is dependent on ongoing military support from partners to uphold its freedom and sovereignty,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Prime Minister announced the new allocation in his half-yearly press conference on Wednesday. The Government recently published its multi-year Plan for Norway, in which the country’s security, including support for Ukraine, is a key priority. The Plan reiterates that Norway remains steadfast in its political, economic and military support for Ukraine.

The JUMPSTART mechanism is based on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, under which countries purchase complete military equipment and services from the US Department of Defense rather than from multiple subcontractors. Norway has long used the FMS programme in connection with procurements for the Norwegian defence sector. Norway has previously also provided funding via the JUMPSTART mechanism to support F-16 donations to Ukraine, including the procurement of spare parts and weapons.

‘It is important for the Government that Norway’s military support for Ukraine helps to deliver results on the battlefield in the short term and enhances Ukraine’s capabilities in the medium and longer term,’ said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

New weapons package to be delivered soon

This latest weapons package comprises ammunition for F-16s worth just over NOK 1 billion. Norway is also financing the purchase of an advanced precision weapons system that converts low-cost missiles into precision-guided munitions for use by aircraft or ground-based air defence systems. In addition, just over NOK 500 million will be used to purchase S-300 surface-to-air missiles, which are widely used by Ukraine.

Norway has provided approximately NOK 10 billion via the US JUMPSTART mechanism in 2025. NOK 3 240 million has been disbursed in December, while NOK 6 703 million was disbursed earlier in the year. A total of NOK 9 943 million has been disbursed via the JUMPSTART mechanism in 2025. Norway has also financed the purchase of air defence equipment under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which supplies Ukraine with critical equipment sourced from the US, in partnership with Germany and the UK, and has provided funding for NASAMS training in Norway.

Air defence and the protection of its airspace have been a strategic priority for Ukraine for some time and are key to protecting the population and military and civilian infrastructure, including the energy supply. Air defence is a priority area of Norway’s military support for Ukraine.

Rapid delivery of low-cost weapon systems with high availability

‘This equipment will be important in enhancing Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against aerial threats. The systems procured under the JUMPSTART mechanism are primarily low-cost systems with high availability, which can be provided at high volumes and at relatively low prices. Ukraine’s air defences are under pressure, and acquiring sufficient quantities of ammunition for the country’s more advanced air defence systems is a challenge. Ukraine should have access to both low-cost weapons and more advanced long-range missiles that can be used to combat high-performance targets such as cruise missiles,’ said Mr Sandvik.

‘The Norwegian-made NASAMS air defence system, provided through donations from Norway and the US, has played an important role in Ukrainian air defence. At the start of 2025, Norway was informed by the US that it could help procure air defence equipment for Ukraine through the US JUMPSTART programme,’ said Mr Sandvik.