Norway contributes to new donation of drones to Ukraine

News story | Date: 09/01/2025 | Ministry of Defence

'Norway has recently contributed NOK 700 million to a multinational initiative to procure drones for Ukraine,' said Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram. On 9 January, he attended a Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) convened for the 25th time, bringing together representatives from nearly 50 countries and organisations to discuss further military support for Ukraine in both the short and long term. The Minister of Defence also held a bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov.

During the meeting, the Minister of Defence announced that Norway is contributing to a new donation of drones in collaboration with the United Kingdom and the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU).

'Ukraine continues to have a strong need for additional military equipment to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression. Drones are a critical part of this effort, both for protecting critical infrastructure and for use on the front line,' Gram said.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, also highlighted the need for additional drones, among other capabilities, during his opening remarks at the meeting.

Discussions at the meeting focused on continued support for Ukraine, resulting in agreement on the capability coalitions' roadmaps for further assistance.
Read more here: Joint Statement of the Coalition Leadership Group > U.S. Department of Defense > Release

Norway is co-leading the maritime coalition alongside the United Kingdom.

'The various coalitions are working closely with Ukrainian authorities to provide the best possible support for Ukraine in both the short and long term. The coalitions' efforts are also coordinated with NATO's initiatives to support Ukraine and are essential for ensuring Ukraine's future interoperability with the Alliance,' said the Minister of Defence.

An independent and free Ukraine, with the freedom to determine its own foreign and defence policies, is essential for European and Norwegian security.

'Together with our allies, we will continue our political, military and economic support for Ukraine's defence efforts,' Gram said.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III chaired this format for the last time before the change in the US administration. Read his remarks here: Secretary of Defense Opening Remarks at the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Prepared) > U.S. Department of Defense > Speech

'I would like to thank my good colleague Austin for his close and constructive cooperation in many areas and for the crucial leadership he has shown in coordinating Western military support for Ukraine since the full-scale invasion in 2022. I look forward to continuing this collaboration with the United States under the incoming administration,' Gram said.