Norway sets aside $241 million to support Ukrainian Navy

Norway has decided to provide NOK 2.7 billion (approximately $241 million) to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy. 

Prime Minister Støre announced the new donation to be provided under the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine during his visit with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Haakonsvern Naval Base.

Norway and the UK are leading the Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, which was launched last December. 

The government previously set aside NOK 100 million (around $9 million) for maritime training and other measures in 2025. The country has now approved a new funding package of NOK 2.6 billion ($232 million) to enhance various Ukrainian maritime capabilities.

The support includes donations from the Norwegian Armed Forces and military equipment to be procured from the industry for subsequent donations.

The funding will, among other things, be used to protect people in Ukraine from attacks as well as for mine clearance operations and training of Ukrainian soldiers.

“Ukraine needs more support to deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea in the time ahead. It is essential to protect the Ukrainian population and Ukrainian infrastructure from attacks by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. It is also important to protect exports by sea of grain and other products, which generate crucial revenues for Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram stated that mines pose a significant threat to maritime security and safe passage in the Black Sea and that mine clearance operations are extremely challenging.

He added that the systems being provided would improve the ability of Ukrainian forces to detect and defuse mines along their coastline.

“Much of the funding will go towards efforts relating to innovation and autonomy under the Maritime Capability Coalition. Work is underway on a number of targeted innovation and development projects to strengthen maritime security,” Gram also noted.

Government officials stated that NOK 130 million ($11.6 million) in support was allocated to the maritime training center in 2025.

Specifically, at this center, personnel from a number of countries, including Norway, provide training to Ukrainian soldiers in maritime operations.

The government has also set aside NOK 150 million ($13.3 million) for the purchase of small vessels that will then be donated and to support the Norwegian Armed Forces’ contribution to the training of Ukrainian small-boat drivers in river operations, to be carried out at the training center.

This funding is part of the overall allocation of NOK 22.5 billion (around $2 billion) in military support to be provided to Ukraine under the Nansen Support Program in 2025. 

To remind, last year, the Ukrainian Navy received two minehunting ships from the UK.