Norway pledges new $314 million weapons package for Ukraine

Norway will provide a new weapons package worth 3.2 billion kroner ($314 million) to Ukraine, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour) announced on December 17.

Speaking at a press conference at the government’s official residence, Støre said the package would include weapons and ammunition for F-16 fighter jets, as well as air defence missiles, Caliber.Az reports, citing Norwegian media.

“Parts of this equipment are being purchased from the United States as part of an established support arrangement for Ukraine,” he added.

Støre described the situation in Ukraine as critical. “The burden on the country is enormous – militarily, economically and politically. Ukraine is effectively facing a triple crisis: a security crisis, a domestic political crisis, and an economic crisis,” he said.

As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fourth year, Norway continues to stand as one of Kyiv's most steadfast European allies through the multi-year Nansen Support Programme, a comprehensive aid framework combining military, humanitarian, and civilian assistance.

Launched in February 2023 and named after the renowned Norwegian humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen, the programme has evolved significantly in response to escalating needs on the ground. Initially set at NOK 75 billion over five years, it was expanded in late 2024 to run through 2030 with a minimum annual commitment of NOK 15 billion.

In early 2025, all parties in the Norwegian parliament (Storting) unanimously agreed to a major boost, increasing the total funding framework to NOK 205 billion and allocating a record NOK 85 billion (approximately $7.8 billion) for 2025 alone – predominantly for military support, including procurements from Ukraine's defence industry and international initiatives.

This surge brought Norway's contributions since 2022 to new heights, with prior years seeing NOK 10.7 billion in 2022, NOK 19 billion in 2023, and NOK 27 billion in 2024. Key areas of focus include air defence systems, training for Ukrainian forces (such as a Nordic-Baltic brigade initiative), energy security amid Russian attacks on infrastructure, demining efforts, and humanitarian aid channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross, and NGOs.

In 2025, Norway allocated NOK 3 billion specifically for humanitarian needs, including protection for vulnerable populations, evacuations, and child welfare.

By Aghakazim Guliyev