ATHENS

Norway will provide 6.5 billion Norwegian kroner ($640 million) for the procurement of drones and drone technology for Ukraine, a government statement said on Tuesday.

“Drones play a vital part in Ukraine’s fight to defend itself. They are important both to protect critical infrastructure and for use on the front line. The contribution from Norway will significantly enhance Ukraine’s capacity to carry out necessary surveillance and operations using drones,” the statement quoted Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store as saying.

The statement underlined that the Norwegian government “gives priority to meeting the military needs based on what Ukraine itself defines as most important, such as air defense systems, drones, artillery and procurement of defense equipment from Ukrainian companies”

Commenting on the development, Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said: “Funding for drone procurement will help to build an independent Ukrainian deterrence capability, which will also be important after a potential peace agreement is reached.”