Ukraine and Norway have agreed to jointly produce mid-range strike drones
Ukraine and Norway are setting up their first joint production facility for Ukrainian drones. The facility will be located in Norway, and all manufactured products will be transferred to the Ukrainian Defence Forces, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The Norwegian side will fund the project using additional funds allocated on top of the previously planned $7 billion in defence support for Ukraine in 2026.
The agreement was signed in Kyiv by the Norwegian Ambassador to Ukraine, Lars Ragnar Aalered Hansen, and the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration, Serhiy Boev.
The document provides for the scaling up of production of Ukrainian technologies already in use on the battlefield, as well as the strengthening of the defence capabilities of both countries.
In 2026, Norway plans to allocate over $1.5 billion to the purchase of Ukrainian weapons for the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Norway for its support and noted that joint projects to manufacture and supply drones to brigades are enhancing the capabilities of the Ukrainian military.
“I thank Norway for its systematic support and for focusing specifically on the capabilities that Ukraine critically needs. Joint production projects and the guaranteed provision of drones to brigades directly strengthen our forces on the battlefield. Norway gains the opportunity to produce technologies that have proven their effectiveness, whilst Ukraine receives the drones needed to seize the initiative on the front line. This is a true win-win partnership,” he said.
The first systems manufactured in Norway are expected to be handed over to the Ukrainian Defence Forces by this summer.
The agreement also provides for the development of industrial cooperation and research.
Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik emphasised that supporting Ukraine is vital for Norway’s security.
“Supporting Ukraine’s struggle is the most important thing we are doing for Norway’s security. This is a partnership that benefits both countries. It is an important and concrete step towards deepening Norwegian-Ukrainian cooperation, which simultaneously strengthens Norway’s defence industry and gives Ukraine the opportunity to produce drones in safe conditions on Norwegian territory,” he noted.
According to him, the experience gained from this project will allow Norway to expand its production capabilities in this area.
Technological and industrial cooperation with partners remains one of Ukraine’s priorities.
