The Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) have agreed to enhance their ongoing cooperation in procuring weapons.  

The heads of the agencies signed a document that opens up opportunities for the exchange of information between Ukraine and Norway on current offers on the weapons and military equipment market. Furthermore, opportunities arise for cooperative R&D efforts related to innovative weaponry. 

“Expanding our cooperation with Norway is a crucial step in enhancing our international collaboration on defense procurement, particularly in the context of a full-scale invasion. By sharing experiences, our countries can improve planning and supply of weapons, which is key to effectively countering aggression,” said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Dmytro Klimenkov.

Strengthening cooperation with NATO member countries is an essential focus of the Ministry of Defence’s and, particularly, the Defence Procurement Agency’s efforts. 

“The successful track records of the Norwegian agency reveal the essential role of competent and independent organizations in addressing the state's defense demands. During wartime, it is essential for us to embrace this experience quickly, and we appreciate Norway's willingness to offer extensive assistance in this matter,” said Maryna Bezrukova, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency. 

The NMDA team is persistently delivering training initiatives for DPA employees. This allows for implementing the best practices from NATO procurement agencies in Ukraine, considering the realities of a full-scale war. 

“The continued support of the Defense Procurement Agency is important to us and is one of our top priorities. Furthermore, the insights gained from the Ukrainian agency help us grasp the operational dynamics of the NDMA in a war scenario. This gives us important knowledge for further improvement of our operations. The positive feedback from the Defense Procurement Agency showcases the excellence of our organization and our staff,” said Gro Jære, Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.

Two project teams have been established to facilitate cooperation between the agencies, one based in Oslo and the other in Kyiv. Training sessions focusing on contract and project management, risk evaluation, human resources management, international arbitration, etc., have already been carried out. This is an opportunity to develop the professional capabilities of the Defence Procurement Agency.