Evgeniy Khmara and Jens Stoltenberg discuss Ukraine-Norway air defence cooperation
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Evgeniy Khmara met with Norway’s Minister of Finance Jens Stoltenberg.
The parties discussed key security threats, with a particular focus on the threat posed by russian ballistic missiles.
Strengthening air defence and asymmetric measures against ballistic missile strikes
Norway is making a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s air defence. For its part, Ukraine is expanding asymmetric measures to protect against ballistic missile strikes.
First, our forces continue to destroy russian ballistic missile launchers to reduce strikes on Ukraine. Second, the Defence Forces are striking production facilities to reduce the output of ballistic missile components. This is already affecting russia’s ability to produce such weapons. Ukraine aims to scale up deep strike operations and increase the effectiveness of our strikes.
Protection against jet-powered drones: F-16s, turrets and interceptor drones
The parties also discussed ways to counter jet-powered drones.
With support from Norway and other partners, Ukraine is expanding the capabilities of its F-16 aircraft. Norwegian support is also helping Ukraine scale up other counter-UAV capabilities, including turrets and interceptor drones.
Ukraine’s focus on technology and joint ventures with Norway
The Minister of Defence also emphasised Ukraine’s focus on technology, efficient resource use and protecting the lives of Ukrainian service members.
Among our current priorities is building an extensive network of underground defence and logistics facilities and command posts. Ukrainian warriors know what needs to be done. We need to provide them with the resources, equipment and materiel needed to make their work easier and more effective.
The Minister of Defence stressed that Ukraine seeks to develop a mutually beneficial partnership with Norway. Areas of cooperation include sharing technology and experience, as well as establishing joint ventures.
