Norway to Send Missiles for Ukraine's Air Defenсe System IRIS-T

The Norwegian government has made the decision to send anti-aircraft missiles for Ukraine's air defence system, IRIS-T.

"Norway will continue to support Ukraine's defence against Russia for as long as it takes. Ukraine currently urgently needs greater military and material support. They have a significant need for missiles and ammunition for air defence. And here, Norway supports you in every way it can," stated the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Norwegian government reports that air defence plays a crucial role in Ukraine's ability to protect both civilian population and frontline infrastructure, as well as military units, from any types of aerial attacks from Russia.

Supporting air defence has been the highest priority for Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. Western and Norwegian support with air defence has been instrumental in preventing Russia from gaining control over the airspace, thus helping to avoid significant suffering among the civilian population and military losses.

"In the past, Ukraine has received substantial assistance from Western countries in the field of air defence, but the need for it remains enormous. Norway will continue to support Ukraine in its fight to defend against Russian forces. Therefore, we will now provide anti-aircraft missiles. This is one of the largest Norwegian contributions to Ukraine as military aid," said the Prime Minister.

The missiles can be launched from the systems that Sweden has previously decided to transfer.

For the Norwegian Armed Forces, missiles corresponding to the ones being gifted will be procured.

Previously, Norway had already made its contribution to Ukraine's air defence by transferring NASAMS and Mistral air defence systems.

On Thursday, Norway also anounced that it will send F-16 fighters to Ukraine.

Denmark and the Netherlands announced over the weekend their decision to send these aircraft to Kyiv after training.

Ukrainian pilots have begun training on F-16 fighters in Denmark.