Norway to provide NOK 10 billion for Ukrainian brigade training and equipment

Minister Sandvik emphasised that Norway is taking a leading role in the training effort, responding to a direct request from Ukraine. “Norway stands united with Europe for stronger support for Ukraine, both politically, economically and militarily,” he stated.

The brigade initiative will not establish a new full unit but will focus on providing modular “building blocks” to reinforce existing Ukrainian brigades. “Under Norwegian leadership, the Nordic and Baltic countries work closely with Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the training and equipment meet Ukrainian needs as well as possible,” Sandvik explained.

A typical brigade comprises 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers and includes a range of combat elements, enabling it to function as an independent military force. The project will remain flexible and scalable to match the evolving needs of Ukraine.

Norway’s contribution will include both surplus materiel from its own armed forces and newly acquired equipment from Ukrainian and international defence industries. “Our contribution is both materiel from our own defence and acquisitions of ammunition and materiel… Not least, we will contribute with training,” said Sandvik.

In addition to this initiative, Norway has committed extra funds to a UK-led support package that includes radar systems and drones. The country also signed agreements in Brussels to join coalitions focused on drone development and electronic warfare.

The Norwegian government has proposed a substantial increase in its overall military support to Ukraine for 2025, adding NOK 50 billion to the Nansen programme. This brings total support under the programme to NOK 85 billion in 2025 and NOK 205 billion for the 2023–2030 period.

“The support will go to materiel that is most important for Ukraine in its defence against Russia,” said Sandvik. He added that funding would also target maritime security, air defence, drones, and enhanced cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry.

Source: Ministry of Defence of Norway.