Norway, France agree on joint military support to Ukraine

This was reported on the official website of the Norwegian government, Ukrinform says.

The agreement enables Norway and France to cooperate in providing unique and in-demand defense materiel through purchases from French industry or donations from French stockpiles. As a first step, Norway is contributing approximately 4.2 billion Norwegian kroner (about $440 million), while France is guaranteeing a loan of around 3 billion kroner (about $300 million).

“Ukraine is now in the fourth winter following the invasion. The nation faces enormous military, civilian, and humanitarian needs as a consequence of Russian attacks. The new agreement between Norway and France permits us to cooperate on delivery of capabilities that Ukraine needs,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The agreement includes the procurement of a large quantity of air-to-ground weapons from the French defense industry, as well as the expansion of Ukraine’s surveillance and situational awareness capabilities.

According to Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik, “the projects in this agreement meet crucial Ukraine priorities and have been identified following close dialogue with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.”

“The air-to-ground weapons are flexible glide bombs launched form combat aircraft that Ukraine currently operates. Ukraine already has positive experience with these weapons. Now we are making sure Ukraine gets the weapons they have asked for,” Sandvik concluded.

It is also noted that last year Norway and France signed an agreement to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway contributed €420 million to purchase U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine under the PURL initiative.

Illustrative photo: X / French Aid to Ukraine