At the heart of Ukraine’s defense strategy is a new step in collaboration with partner countries
Against this backdrop, Ukraine has officially opened a representative office of the largest Norwegian defense company, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, marking a new era of cooperation between Ukraine and Norway in the fields of security and military technology. This decision is a logical consequence of Ukraine’s international support policies and ambitions to modernize its defense sector. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this step was accompanied by an important visit from Norway’s Minister of Defence, Thore O. Skånland, who visited Ukraine on June 22 — his first official visit since his appointment earlier this year. In his address, the President emphasized: “Today in Kyiv, the Minister of Defence of Norway was present. It has been decided to invest 400 million dollars in Ukrainian production, particularly focusing on drones and air defense systems. This means new opportunities to strengthen our defense capabilities and produce modern weaponry in partnership with our Norwegian colleagues.” He also noted that opening an office in Ukraine’s capital is “the fastest and most targeted step in developing our defense sector.” Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace office, the first of its kind in Norway, was established in Kyiv on June 22. These are significant precedents — a company that is a global leader in high-tech weapon systems, including NASAMS, which are already effectively used for the protection of Ukrainian cities from Russian missile strikes and drones. “Kongsberg is a leading global producer of arms and air defense systems. In collaboration with this company, we are focusing on developing joint projects in the field of air defense. We are preparing new solutions based on NASAMS to enhance the protection of the population and infrastructure,” emphasized the Defence Minister. According to him, Ukraine and Norway plan to implement joint initiatives in the production of interceptors, the development of air defense systems, and maritime security. These are areas where Kongsberg possesses extensive international experience and leadership. The most important aspect of this cooperation is not only strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also expanding opportunities for Ukrainian and Norwegian engineers and designers. Joint work involves improving existing systems, introducing innovations, and creating new technologies to more effectively counter contemporary threats. This step occurs amid strategic support from Norway and European partners who aim to help Ukraine close security gaps and ensure stability in the region. An important part of this diplomatic and military collaboration was also President Zelenskyy’s meeting with Norway’s Minister of Defence, Thore O. Skånland, held in Kyiv. This was the first visit of the Norwegian defense minister to Ukraine after his appointment, serving as a signal of deepening strategic partnership. Overall, the opening of the Kongsberg office in Kyiv and the announcement of investments in the manufacturing sector are significant steps in Ukraine’s long-term strategy to strengthen its defense industry through the integration of advanced technologies, foreign investments, and international cooperation. These moves open new prospects for Ukrainian military and innovative engineering teams, as well as reinforce Ukraine’s image as a reliable and progressive partner in the defense sphere.