Norway is joining Sweden, Denmark, Ukraine, and seven other European countries in a new coalition for defence against ballistic missiles. The goal is described as strengthening Ukraine's defence capability and developing closer European cooperation against future missile threats. This was announced by the Norwegian government in a press release on 13 July.
– Today we announce the establishment of a coalition for defensive protection against ballistic missiles, together with Ukraine and several European countries. The background is the growing threat from ballistic missiles and the need to strengthen Europe's defence, says Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The coalition will bring together the participating countries' expertise, industry, and technology to develop a European defence against ballistic missiles. It currently consists of Ukraine, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
– We will work with purpose and speed to develop a capability for defence against ballistic missiles, for use in Ukraine and the rest of Europe. The solution must be developed through joint efforts, technological openness, and trust-based industrial cooperation. In this way, we can deter and counter future missile threats, says Støre.
According to the press release, the solution is intended to complement existing ballistic missile defence systems, including national European solutions that participating countries have already procured or are planning to procure.
– We will pool expertise from the defence industry, research communities, and our military experience. The goal is to build a shared European capability for ballistic missile defence and to support relevant contributing activities. This is not directed against anyone, but is about protecting our own populations. We recognise Ukraine's unique experience, gained through its defence against Russia's war of aggression. At the same time, air defence systems that provide effective protection against ballistic missiles are currently very costly, says Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
Norwegian authorities will contribute through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, information, and other necessary support. Norwegian industry is also expected to play an important role in the work.
– We are also pleased that the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with extensive experience of the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) system, will be involved in developing a new European defence against ballistic missiles, says Sandvik.