Norway to provide Ukraine with two NASAMS, 1000 more Black Hornet microdrones 

The Norwegian Ministry of Defense announced the information on July 12. 

The Norwegian government has decided to provide Ukraine with a NASAMS support package, including two additional fire control centres, two launchers and spare parts, to improve the effectiveness of the air defense equipment already provided to Ukraine.

"Air defense is one of the highest priority needs of the Ukrainian side. Ukraine needs protection from Russian air and missile attacks. The good operational results of NASAMS mean that air defense in general and NASAMS in particular is very welcome for the Ukrainian side," said Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said that Ukraine will receive 1000 sets of reconnaissance drones that have successfully proven themselves on the battlefield. 

"The Norwegian company Teledyne FLIR's UAV is a global market leader. It is used in a number of allied countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The drone is used for reconnaissance and target identification. It is easy to operate, reliable in any conditions, difficult to detect and particularly well suited for combat operations in urban combat," the statement said. 

The Ukrainian authorities reportedly requested this type of equipment to combat the Russian invasion.

For reference. The Black Hornet microdrone weighs 32 grams. It was first manufactured in 2007 and since over 14,000 Black Hornet drones, in different iterations, have been supplied to more than 40 customers worldwide. The US stands as the largest customer for this type of drone. Norway, which acquired Black Hornets in 2015, has been actively incorporating them into its military forces.

• Earlier, Norway supplied USD 9 million worth of Black Hornet microdrones to Ukraine in cooperation with the UK.  

• On July 11, Norway increased its military aid fund to Ukraine to NOK 10 billion. The country will also increase its contribution to the NATO’s Ukraine Trust Fund.