Norway to provide over $240 million to boost Ukrainian Navy

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has announced that Norway will allocate 2.7 billion kroner ($242 million) to strengthen the Ukrainian navy and enhance its ability to counter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea.

“It is essential to protect the Ukrainian population and Ukrainian infrastructure from attacks by Russia's Black Sea Fleet,” Støre stated, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the maritime export of grain and other goods, which are vital sources of revenue for Ukraine.

The majority of the funding will focus on innovation and enhancing autonomy under the Maritime Capability Coalition, an initiative launched last year by Norway and the United Kingdom to align Ukraine’s navy with Western allies.

The aid will include contributions from the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as military equipment procured from industry for donation.

Additionally, the funds will support demining operations and training programs for Ukrainian troops. " "The systems we are providing will enhance the ability of Ukrainian forces to detect and defuse mines along their coastline,” said Norway’s Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

Norway continues to be a strong ally of Ukraine. In November, Norwegian parliamentary parties agreed to allocate NOK 35 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid to Ukraine for 2025.

Initially, Norway's draft budget proposed NOK 15 billion (around $1.3 billion) in assistance for Ukraine in 2025, which led to dissatisfaction among opposition parties. Following this, the budget was revised.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Støre for the increase in aid during a phone call.

By the end of the year, Norway is expected to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

According to UK intelligence, Russian Black Sea Fleet has lost a quarter of its ships due to Ukrainian strikes, forcing it to withdraw from Crimea, although it still retains missile-launching capabilities.

By Vafa Guliyeva