"Norway will allocate 127.4 million dollars to strengthen Ukraine's air defense within the framework of the Nansen program."
This was stated by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, "Kyiv Independent" reported.
The funds will be used to purchase a new Patriot air defense system for Romania to replace the one it handed over to Ukraine on October 3.
Bucharest initially hesitated before deciding to donate one of its Patriots in June. The Romanian government issued a delivery order for the system in September.
"Better air defense has been one of Ukraine's most pressing needs since the beginning of the war. Norway's support for Ukraine is based on what Ukraine needs most, and we will continue to provide support for as long as it is needed," Støre said.
He added that Norway and Western allies should increase their support for Ukraine because air defense is one of Ukraine's "most critical" needs.
"Without adequate air defense equipment, Ukraine cannot protect the military sites and forces that defend the country - nor can it provide protection to children and adults trying to get on with their lives, or protect the civilian infrastructure it must provide electricity and heating in winter," said the Norwegian prime minister.
Norway previously granted $364 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, including the purchase of Patriot interceptor missiles, an IRIS-T battery and repairs to existing air defense systems.
Norway also donated a NASAMS system, and its instructors trained Ukrainian operators in the use of Western air defense systems. | BGNES
