Norway to provide NOK 1.2 billion for maritime drones for Ukraine

Press release | Date: 09/06/2026 | Last updated: 10/06/2026 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Defence

The Norwegian Government will provide NOK 1.2 billion under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine for the development and procurement of maritime drones for Ukraine in 2026. The funding will also include deliveries of uncrewed surface vessels from both the Norwegian and the Ukrainian industry.

'Norway is a global leader in the maritime sector. I am pleased that our expertise can also be used to support Ukraine's fight for freedom. Ukraine uses maritime drones for reconnaissance and military offensives and to defend themselves against Russian attacks,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

On Tuesday, Mr Støre met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8) Prime Ministers' summit in Tallinn, Estonia. Mr Zelensky attended the meeting as guest of honour.

The export of grain and other goods through the Black Sea is vital for Ukraine's economy and for international food security. To help secure this important trade route, maritime surface drones are being developed in a collaborative effort between the Norwegian and Ukrainian industries.

Norwegian maritime expertise

Norway and the UK are leading the Maritime Capability Coalition in support of Ukraine. Since the coalition was established in 2023, the Norwegian Government has attached importance to drawing on the expertise found in Norway's maritime industry to support Ukraine in its fight to defend itself against Russia.

'To build on Norway's support for these efforts, the Government has decided to allocate NOK 1.2 billion under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine for the development and procurement of vessels in 2026, with deliveries from both the Norwegian and the Ukrainian industry,' said Mr Støre.

The aim is to deliver the 200th vessel by the end of the year. The vessels will be delivered in different configurations and may carry, among other things, sensors, weapons or airborne drones.

'Our cooperation with Ukraine helps to provide Norwegian personnel with useful insight and will enhance the Norwegian Navy's ability to phase in uncrewed vessels in line with the new Long-term Defence Plan. It is also an important means of enabling Ukraine to better protect civilian shipping,' said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

The Ukrainian maritime corridor in the Black Sea was established in September 2023. Since then, 200 million tonnes of cargo have been transported through the corridor, more than half of which has been grain. In recent months, the number of attacks on civilian vessels to and from Ukrainian ports has increased considerably.

In line with the Government's proposal, the Storting has agreed to maintain Norway's allocation of NOK 70 billion in military support to Ukraine in 2026. The funds are allocated in close consultation with the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that they are targeted towards the areas that will have the greatest impact for Ukraine.