Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre took the first step towards concluding the Drone Deal by signing a joint declaration to deepen cooperation in the field of defense and security. The document outlines the main areas of partnership, with a priority on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Cooperation Priorities and Development of the Drone Industry
The signed declaration emphasizes military support from Norway, joint technological developments, and the expansion of partnership. In particular, the parties will focus on the development of air defense, the use of unmanned systems, electronic warfare, enhancing maritime security, as well as improving logistics and material support. A separate section of the document is dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian drone industry, technology exchange, and scaling production capabilities.
“This will be ensured by military assistance from Norway and the development of partnerships in technology. The priorities are air defense, unmanned systems, electronic warfare, maritime security, logistics, and material support. Ukraine and Norway will develop joint production and joint development, exchange technologies, and scale their production capabilities. The document also provides for support for the Ukrainian drone industry,” the statement reads.
Creation of Integrated Air Defense Systems and New Agreements with European Partners
Particular attention in the declaration is given to the creation of integrated multi-layered air and missile defense systems. Ukraine and Norway plan to engage international partners to jointly expand the production of missiles for air defense systems. During a joint press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the teams from both countries will work out the details of the future agreement, emphasizing Ukraine’s experience in countering kamikaze drones, which is already being used in other regions of the world. According to the president, Ukraine is ready to share this experience with partners, including Norway and the private sector.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that Ukraine remains a key priority of his country’s foreign policy and emphasized the mutual nature of the cooperation. He stated that Norway steadfastly supports Ukraine’s struggle for independence and the right to self-defense, and Ukraine has become the main recipient of Norwegian aid. It is also emphasized that the cooperation is bilateral and mutually beneficial.
It should be noted that on April 14, Volodymyr Zelensky visited Oslo to sign a bilateral document aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s security. Prior to this, the president was in Berlin, where he, along with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, agreed on a large-scale cooperation package worth four billion euros. The agreement with Germany includes strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, developing long-range capabilities, and joint production of drones.