To avoid interruptions in deliveries to Ukraine, the Norwegian government proposes technical changes to the defence budget for 2025. The support is redirected from Ukrainian industry to international financing mechanisms.
According to a press release from the Norwegian government, the government proposes that approximately 10.9 billion Norwegian kroner be reallocated from support to the Ukrainian defence industry to contributions via international mechanisms. The aim is to ensure continued deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine during 2025.
“We are doing this to avoid interruptions in the delivery of necessary materiel to Ukraine,” says Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik in the press release.
The Storting (Norwegian Parliament) approved in April an expanded framework of 72.5 billion Norwegian kroner for military support to Ukraine. However, delays in payments to Ukrainian companies have proven to be an obstacle, partly due to control mechanisms and legal clarifications.
The government proposes that other planned deliveries be brought forward and that funds be reallocated to international financing mechanisms, according to the proposal in the budget bill. These include procurements via NATO and through allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic.
“We are particularly seeking to quickly acquire more air defence and artillery, in line with clear needs and orders from Ukrainian authorities,” says Sandvik.