Ukraine plans to establish production of several thousand medium-range strike drones in Norway as part of its first joint unmanned aerial vehicle initiative. This is reported on the website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The project will be financed by Norway using funds allocated in addition to its previously approved defense assistance package for Ukraine for 2026, totaling $7 billion. All drones produced under the initiative are expected to be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The agreement was signed in Kyiv by Norwegian Ambassador to Ukraine Lars Ragnar Aalerrud Hansen and Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration Serhii Boiev. According to the Ministry of Defense, the agreement enables scaling up the production of Ukrainian technologies that have already demonstrated effectiveness on the battlefield, while also strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
The first drones manufactured in Norway are expected to be delivered to Ukraine as early as this summer. In addition, the agreement includes broader industrial cooperation, including research programs aimed at expanding Norway’s production capacity.
“Supporting Ukraine’s struggle is the most important contribution we make to Norway’s security. This is cooperation that benefits both countries,” said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore Onshuus Sandvik. “This is an important and concrete step toward deeper Norwegian-Ukrainian cooperation, which at the same time strengthens Norway’s defence industry and gives Ukraine the opportunity to produce drones in secure conditions on Norwegian territory.”
He added that the experience gained through the project would also allow Norway to expand its own production capabilities in this critical sector.
Mid-strike drones represent a new category of unmanned systems developed by Ukraine in cooperation with international partners, including Norway. They are intended to fill the gap between low-cost FPV drones used on the front line and significantly more expensive long-range missile systems.
These UAVs are designed to engage high-value targets located in the enemy’s near rear, at distances of approximately 50–200 km from the front line. They are suitable for strikes against critical infrastructure and other assets that are not positioned deep within enemy territory.
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Source: united24media
