The Norwegian Government will allocate NOK 1.2 billion from the Nansen Support Programme this year for the development and procurement of maritime drones for Ukraine. The initiative will also involve deliveries from both Norwegian and Ukrainian industry for the production of uncrewed vessels.
(Photo of Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, by Katarina Theis-Haugan)
“Norway’s maritime industry is a world leader. I am pleased that this expertise can also be used to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Ukraine employs maritime drones for reconnaissance, offensive operations, and defence against Russian attacks,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
On Tuesday, Støre met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a gathering of Nordic and Baltic heads of government in Tallinn. Zelenskyy attended the meeting as the guest of honour.
The export of grain and other goods through the Black Sea is vital to the Ukrainian economy and to global food security. Through a Norwegian-Ukrainian industrial partnership, maritime surface drones are being developed to help safeguard this important trade route.
Norwegian Maritime Expertise
Norway and the United Kingdom jointly lead the Maritime Capability Coalition in support of Ukraine. Since its establishment in 2023, the Norwegian Government has placed strong emphasis on utilising Norwegian maritime expertise and industry to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia.
“To continue Norway’s support for this effort, the Government has decided to allocate NOK 1.2 billion from the Nansen Programme for development and procurement in 2026, with deliveries from both Norwegian and Ukrainian industry,” the Prime Minister said.
The objective is to deliver the 200th vessel by the end of the year. The vessels will be supplied in various configurations and can carry sensors, weapons, or airborne drones, among other payloads.
“Cooperation with Ukraine provides valuable lessons for Norwegian personnel and will strengthen our ability to integrate uncrewed vessels into the Royal Norwegian Navy as part of the new Long-Term Defence Plan. It is important that we help enable Ukraine to protect civilian maritime traffic,” said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
The Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea was established in September 2023. Since then, 200 million tonnes of cargo have been transported through the corridor, more than half of it grain. In recent months, the number of attacks on civilian vessels travelling to and from Ukrainian ports has increased significantly.
In line with the Government’s proposal, the Norwegian Parliament has approved the continuation of military support to Ukraine in 2026 at a level of NOK 70 billion. The funds are allocated in close consultation with the Ukrainian authorities to ensure they are used where they can deliver the greatest effect for Ukraine.