Norway greenlights direct arms sales to embattled Ukraine in face of a Russian threat
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed that this special treatment of Ukraine, in contrast to other potential buyers, is essential to ensure the security of Norway and Europe. This move, which comes with the possibility of escalating aggression from the Russian Federation, aims to bolster the Ukrainian defense by providing the embattled nation access to defense-oriented Norwegian industry products. This shift is remarkable, given that Norway has historically disallowed the sale of arms and ammunition to nations engaged in, threatened by, or in the throes of a civil war.
Norwegian equipment can be bought under unique terms
Norwegian companies can now apply for export licenses from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and directly sell arms and defense products to Ukraine. The ministry will grant each permit individually, following a detailed and stringent examination of adherence to Norwegian export laws.
The Norwegian Ministry asserts that this approach towards Ukraine is a singular exception and does not extend to trade with other nations currently involved in warfare. The 1959 Parliament decision remains intact, with Norwegian aid forming part of more comprehensive international efforts to provide military support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Norway's past and future commitment to Ukraine
One significant advantage arising from this decision by the Norwegian government will be the considerable potential for equipment supplies, allowing for a more substantial purchase of NASAMS air defense systems, which are presently in high demand in Kyiv. This is a distributed and networked medium and short-range air defense system (18 - 31 miles). In December 2023, Oslo approved the transfer of several such systems to the Ukrainian front. Each system requires only a crew of two to operate.
As part of its donations, Norway has also relegated Hellfire missiles to Ukraine. Additional military hardware contributions included several modern Leopard 2 tanks. Nevertheless, these two items represent foreign equipment that the Norwegians have opted to deplete from their reserves.
Besides NASAMS, what more could Ukraine possibly secure from Norway? Beyond the apparent substantial provision of ammo for NATO gear, the Norwegian-British Black Hornet drones emerge as a viable option. Ukrainians have already received and utilized Some of these UAVs to their satisfaction. These compact reconnaissance drones mirror the design of helicopters. Smaller than a smartphone, the unmanned device offers invaluable support and an extra set of eyes for soldiers' squads. It can accelerate up to 13 mph and function for 25 minutes, during which it acquires data for its operator using both an RGB camera and a thermal imaging camera, snapping photos at a satisfactory resolution of 1200x1600 pixels.
