The Norwegian government has decided to contribute 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner from the Nansen programme towards the development and procurement of maritime drones for Ukraine in 2026, with deliveries from both Norwegian and Ukrainian industry.
The Norwegian government states in a press release dated 9 June 2026 that the goal is to deliver vessel number 200 before the end of the year. The vessels are delivered in various configurations and can carry sensors, weapons, or airborne drones, among other payloads. Nordic Defence Sector (NDS) has previously reported on Norway's expanded drone support to Ukraine, including a decision earlier this year to allocate 12 billion Norwegian kroner for this purpose.
"Norwegian maritime industry is world-leading. I am pleased that this expertise can also be used to support Ukraine's fight for freedom. Ukraine uses maritime drones for reconnaissance, offensive operations, and defence against Russian attacks," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in the press release.
Norway and the United Kingdom lead the maritime capability coalition in support of Ukraine. The coalition was established in 2023, and the government states that Norwegian maritime expertise and industry have been prioritised in the support to Ukraine since then.
"The cooperation with Ukraine contributes to learning for Norwegian personnel and will strengthen the ability to integrate unmanned vessels as part of the navy in the new long-term plan," said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik in the press release.
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, of which more than half was grain. The government states that the number of attacks against civilian vessels travelling to and from Ukrainian ports has increased significantly in recent months.
The Norwegian Storting (parliament) has, in accordance with the government's proposal, decided to continue military support to Ukraine in 2026 at a total of 70 billion Norwegian kroner. The funds are allocated in close dialogue with Ukrainian authorities.