Norway: Siltanews – News Desk
In a major development amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Norway has committed to adopting the “Danish model” to support Ukraine, which involves direct financing of Kyiv’s military production to meet war needs.
During a recent visit to Oslo, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov signed agreements with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
“Norway’s adoption of the ‘Danish model’ will accelerate the production and delivery of essential arms for Ukrainian forces,” Umerov shared on Facebook.
He also discussed a new “Norwegian model” for investing directly in Ukrainian defense technology companies. Further details will be announced soon.
The “Danish model” offers Ukraine an innovative and cost-effective method for producing modern weaponry.
Denmark became the first foreign partner to directly fund Ukrainian defense enterprises, enabling Ukraine to reduce dependence on international aid while addressing shortages in arms production.
The initiative has already delivered tangible results, such as the “Bohdana” self-propelled artillery systems (SPGs), which were manufactured in collaboration with the Danish government.
“This approach is about more than producing weapons—it’s about defense independence and investment in the economy,” according to Dmytro Klimenkov, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense.
“We have our own capacities, and they’re sharing technologies with us. Localizing defense production in Ukraine will not only reduce our reliance on foreign supplies but also enable us to respond more flexibly to front-line needs, quickly adapting weapon production to combat requirements,” he added.
Norway joins Nordic nations—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden—in backing the “Danish model” to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, with a focus on long-range weaponry.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva highlighted the collaboration, stating, “The Danish model was supported by each of the other Nordic countries, so five countries will work according to the Danish model to finance the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine. As of today, we are talking about US$423.5 million EU funds plus US$185.3 million Danish funds, and already at this summit, the countries have expressed their national contributions”.
On October 28, Sweden unveiled a €63 million (US$66.6 million) aid package, including €20 million (US$21.15 million) to boost Ukraine’s industrial base under the Danish initiative, supporting domestic arms production.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, Norway has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine, providing substantial humanitarian, military, and financial aid. Norway has condemned Russia’s aggression, implemented sanctions, and actively contributed to international efforts to support Ukraine’s resistance.
In late October, Norway announced a €500 million (US$528.6 million) package featuring F-16 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems, reinforcing its unwavering support for Ukraine’s resistance.
Norway, NATO’s northernmost member, shares a 195.7 km (121.6 miles) land and maritime border with Russia. During the Cold War, it was the only NATO country to share a border with the Soviet Union.
This strategic location places Norway at a pivotal crossroads between the West and Russia, especially given its proximity to the Arctic. The Norway–Russia border was formally defined in 1826, and while the countries’ diplomatic ties have fluctuated over time, their shared geography continues to define their relationship.