Norway announces over $120 million for Ukraine's winter defence “Patriots” in focus

Norway has announced a substantial contribution of 1.4 billion kroner ($128 million) to bolster Ukraine’s air defence capabilities as the country braces for renewed Russian attacks on its critical infrastructure this winter.

"Together with other countries, Norway is providing funding that will enable Romania to send a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine," said the country's prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He emphasized the importance of reinforcing Kyiv’s air defences, calling it "a priority area for Norway" and expressed satisfaction in supporting Ukraine’s acquisition of a new Patriot system.

“Russia’s attacks are continuing unabated, and Ukraine needs more air defence to protect the civilian population. Greater air defence has been one of Ukraine's most critical needs since the start of the war,” Støre noted.

Since the start of the war, Ukraine has relied heavily on its Western allies for air defence assistance. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed for additional Patriot systems, which are regarded as highly effective in intercepting missiles, drones, and other airborne threats.

While exact figures are not disclosed, Ukraine is estimated to possess around five Patriot batteries sourced from the United States, Germany, and other NATO allies.

US President Joe Biden, during a NATO summit in July, had committed to providing a range of tactical air defence systems to Ukraine, including additional Patriot systems, NASAMS, and German Gepard anti-aircraft guns.

Earlier this month, Kyiv’s air force confirmed that a Patriot battery in the Dnipropetrovsk region had been damaged in a Russian missile strike but was still operational. As Russia’s aerial strikes are anticipated to intensify over the winter, particularly targeting Ukraine’s essential infrastructure, the Patriot systems are expected to play a critical role in defending key facilities and power sources.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously voiced concerns about depleting missile stocks, noting that air defence capacities are strained as Russian attacks on power facilities remain relentless. The new system provided by Norway and Romania is likely to address some of the pressing needs in Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

By Khagan Isayev