'Ukraine's battle to defend itself is our battle as well. Ukraine is facing Russian attacks every day. Russia is continuing to carry out air strikes against civilians, Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure. Ukraine is managing to stop most drones and cruise missiles, but it needs to strengthen its defence against ballistic missiles. This is one of Ukraine’s most urgent priorities. Norway is therefore now providing NOK 3 billion for air defence,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Støre met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye.

'Russia is sending hundreds of drones and missiles into Ukraine day and night. The Patriot air defence system is highly effective and can counter a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles,' said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Ordered directly from the manufacturer
Together with Denmark, Germany and Canada, Norway will order new Patriot air defence missiles directly from the manufacturer in the US. Norway will continue its support to the US-led PURL programme. PURL is NATO's programme for coordinating funding and donations of advanced US military equipment to Ukraine, including air defence. Given the long delivery times for some of these missiles, Norway also plans to procure Patriot missiles from countries that already have them to facilitate rapid donation to Ukraine.

Prime Minister Støre met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye.
Prime Minister Støre met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. Credit: Torbjørn Kjosvold, The Office of the Norwegian Prime Minister

Ukraine has invited European partners to take part in the development of a dedicated ballistic missile defence system. This could also be of relevance for the defence of Norway and other Allied countries. Norway is setting aside funding to be able to contribute to this initiative.

'In the future, ballistic missiles may also come to pose a serious threat to Norway and Allied countries. The Ukrainian initiative is thus of interest in terms of strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities as well,' said Mr Sandvik.

Between 2023 and 2025, Norway provided a total of NOK 30 billion in air defence support to Ukraine. Norway is also providing substantial funding to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence in 2026.