On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Norway announced that it will donate to Ukraine a NASAMS air defense system support package and 1,000 new Black Hornet nanodrones. Both systems are already in use in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The two-day @NATO Summit in #Vilnius has been important for our common security. Norway donates an extra 1,000 Nano drones, a NASAMS support package and more field rations to #Ukraine. Norway also joins the coalition to train the Ukrainian Air Force in operating F-16s. #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/kfPUfAahyz
— Norwegian Armed Forces | Forsvaret (@Forsvaret_no) July 12, 2023
Strengthening air defense capabilities
Norway, in cooperation with the U.S., previously donated two complete NASAMS fire units to Ukraine. These were added to the two units donated by the U.S. in autumn 2022.
To strengthen this capability the Norwegian government decided to donate a NASAMS support package containing two additional fire control units, two launchers and spare parts. This will ensure resilience, redundancy and flexibility and thus increase the effect of the air defense already donated to Ukraine, said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
«Air defense is a high priority need on the Ukrainian side. Ukraine needs protection against Russian air power and missile attacks. The good operational performance of NASAMS makes air defense in general and NASAMS in particular highly desirable from the Ukrainian side,» Gram added.
See also: France to supply Ukraine with SCALP long-range cruise missiles
Nanodrones
According to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, Ukraine is very satisfied with previous deliveries of this type of reconnaissance drone, which was developed in cooperation between the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. «The drone, which was named Black Hornet, is manufactured in Norway, and we are now providing 1,000 new drone kits to Ukraine,» said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
The Ukrainian authorities have requested the donation of this type of equipment, which is very useful in urban combat and trench warfare.
«The drone developed in Norway by Teledyne FLIR is a world market leader. It is used in several allied countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The drone is used for reconnaissance and target identification. It is easy to operate, robust under the circumstances, difficult to detect and particularly suitable for combat in urban areas,» added Bjørn Arild Gram.
The Black Hornet, developed in Norway by Teledyne FLIR, is the world market leader in this type of nanodrones, weighing only 32 grams. Since its launch in 2007, more than 14,000 Black Hornet drones in different versions were delivered to more than 40 customers worldwide, with the United States being the main customer. Norway took delivery of its first Black Hornet in 2015, and the drones are being widely introduced to the Norwegian Army.
