Norway will co-finance Ukraine’s air defense and allocate $118.8 million to purchase weapons and spare parts for F-16 aircraft as part of the U.S.-led “Jumpstart” initiative. This was stated by Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart, Bjørn Arild Gram, in Odesa.

“These initiatives enhance our defense capability, bringing us closer to our strategic goal of a secure sky over Ukraine,” said Rustem Umerov. He expressed gratitude to Norway and personally to Bjørn Arild Gram for the comprehensive support, including the new €500 million aid package and the decision to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine by the end of the year.

During the meeting, the parties focused on cooperation in joint procurement and attracting investments in Ukraine’s defense industry. The ministers also discussed the situation on the battlefield and the security environment in the Black and Azov Seas. Rustem Umerov thanked Norway for its leading role in the Naval Capabilities Coalition.

“With the support of Norway and other allies, we are gradually depriving the enemy of the ability to operate freely in these waters, bringing us closer to eliminating russia’s Black Sea Fleet,” emphasized the Ukrainian Defense Minister.

Rustem Umerov noted that he and his Norwegian counterpart agreed on specific steps to further develop the Naval Capabilities Coalition and deepen bilateral cooperation.