Norway Provides $240 Million to Support Ukrainian Navy

Earlier this week, the Norwegian government announced a new grant of approximately $240million to support Ukraine’s navy in its fight against Russian forces in the Black Sea. The funding includes support for the joint Norwegian-British Maritime Capability Coalition, a capacity-building partnership for Ukraine’s naval forces.

Coalition’s Main Objective

The primary focus of the Maritime Capability Coalition is the transfer of two Royal Navy mine hunters to Ukraine’s navy. This effort also includes extensive crew training provided by British forces. However, the vessels cannot be delivered to Ukraine, as Turkey has closed the Bosporus Strait to warships. As a result, the ships have been waiting in the UK since January.

The coalition’s goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s security in the Black Sea. Additionally, it aims to make Ukraine’s navy more compatible and interoperable with NATO forces. In recent years, Ukraine has become a global leader in autonomy and innovation within naval development. The new round of Norwegian funding will specifically support these two areas.

Protecting Ukraine’s People and Infrastructure

Ukrainian suicide drone boats have inflicted significant damage on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Their missile and drone strikes have pushed the Russian naval threat out of the western Black Sea. This success has allowed Ukraine to reopen a commercial sea corridor from Odessa to the Bosporus, making it safer to export Ukrainian grain with reduced risk of Russian attacks on merchant vessels.

“It is essential to protect the Ukrainian people and infrastructure from attacks by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in a press release. “It is also vital to secure sea exports of grain and other goods, which generate crucial revenue for Ukraine,” he continued.

In addition to the funding, Norway plans to provide new equipment and training toUkrainian personnel to help them detect and neutralize mines in the Black Sea.

“Mines pose a significant threat to maritime safety and secure passage in the Black Sea. Mine-clearing operations are extremely challenging,” explained Norway’s Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram in the same press release.

A Strategic Partnership

On the same day as the statement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited theNorwegian Navy headquarters at the Haakonsvern naval base. He was briefed on classified information regarding Russian intelligence activities in Scandinavia. During the visit, Starmer also shared British expertise on identifying underwater listening devices deployed as part of Russia’s covert maritime surveillance program.  

“Norway is a natural partner for the UK, sharing both our outlook and our low-key approach to getting the job done. It makes sense that some of our most discreet and sensitive work is carried out alongside them,” a UK government source told The Telegraph.