Norwegian authorities announced this Tuesday the approval of a new support package valued at 1.2 billion kroner, close to 109 million euros, intended to finance the purchase and development of maritime drones for Ukraine.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated that these funds will be specifically directed towards the acquisition and improvement of this type of unmanned systems, according to a statement from the Executive, which emphasizes that the country's maritime industry is a "world leader".
"I am pleased that this expertise can also be used to support Ukraine's fight for freedom. Ukraine is using maritime drones for reconnaissance, offensive operations, and protection against Russian attacks," stated the head of government.
On June 9, Jonas Gahr Store met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
As the Norwegian government has emphasized, these unmanned naval drones will play a "crucial" role in strengthening the security of exports of grain and other goods through the Black Sea.