The Norwegian government will allocate 2.7bn Norwegian Kroner (NOK), about $241m, to strengthen the Ukrainian navy and help it deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea.
The government, which has previously set aside NOK 100m for maritime training and other measures in 2025, has now approved the new funding package to enhance various Ukrainian maritime capabilities.
Much of the funding will go towards protecting people in Ukraine from attacks, for mine clearance operations, and training of Ukrainian soldiers.
“Ukraine needs more support to deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea in the time ahead. It is essential to protect the Ukrainian population and Ukrainian infrastructure from attacks by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. It is also important to protect exports by sea of grain and other products, which generate crucial revenues for Ukraine,” said prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Støre announced the new donation to be provided under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine during his visit with UK prime minister Keir Starmer to Haakonsvern Naval Base on Monday.
The support includes donations from the Norwegian Armed Forces as well as military equipment to be procured from the industry for subsequent donation.
Some of the funds will be used to provide systems for mine clearance operations.
“Mines pose a significant threat to maritime security and safe passage in the Black Sea, and mine clearance operations are very difficult. The systems we are providing will enhance the ability of Ukrainian forces to detect and defuse mines along their coastline,” said minister of defence, Bjørn Arild Gram.
“Much of the funding will go towards efforts relating to innovation and autonomy under the Maritime Capability Coalition. Work is underway on a number of targeted innovation and development projects to strengthen maritime security,” he added.
