Anna Hartz
Ukraine and Norway will work together to produce drones. The pilot production line is scheduled to start in 2026.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the plan on November 30. He spoke after signing an agreement with his Norwegian counterpart, Tore O. Sandvik, reports the Kyiv Independent.
The deal shows growing cooperation between Kyiv and Oslo. Ukraine is seeking to strengthen its domestic defense industry. The country faces a full-scale invasion by Russia and sees reduced military support from the United States.
An Essential Tool
Shmyhal said Ukraine will share its experience and innovations in drone technology. Norway will provide a strong production base. It will also contribute research and development support through leading Norwegian institutions.
Drones have become an essential tool on Ukraine’s battlefields. Both Ukraine and Russia use them for front-line operations and long-range strikes. They have proven vital for reconnaissance, targeting, and defense.
Ukraine is also negotiating with the U.K. to produce 2,000 interceptor drones every month. London has pledged to fund thousands of long-range attack drones for Ukraine. These projects show a push to expand the country’s self-reliance in advanced weapons.
Shmyhal did not specify the exact types of drones Ukraine will build with Norway. The focus seems to be on combining Ukrainian battlefield experience with Norway’s technical and industrial resources.
Another Boost
Earlier in 2023, Oslo announced it would donate around 6.7 billion Norwegian Crowns, about $660 million, to a U.K.-led maritime coalition for Ukraine. Norway also aims to help produce naval drones in Ukraine as part of this support.
In addition, Norway plans to allocate $7 billion next year to further boost Ukraine’s defense sector. The funds will likely support both production and research projects.
The partnership with Norway reflects a broader trend. Ukraine is increasingly relying on European allies to develop its defense capabilities. Building domestic production lines for drones will reduce dependence on foreign deliveries. It will also give Ukraine the flexibility to adapt technology to its specific needs on the battlefield.
The cooperation signals that Ukraine’s defense strategy is shifting. Innovation, production, and long-term planning are becoming as important as immediate military aid. The drone projects with Norway and the U.K. are key parts of this effort.
Sources: The Kyiv Independent
