Oslo has allocated approximately 6.7 billion Norwegian kroner (nearly $658 million) for 2025 to support the maritime coalition, which is co-led by the United Kingdom.
Some of "this funding will be used to develop and produce uncrewed maritime vessels using KDA (Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace) technology, with production based in Ukraine,” said Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
KDA has signed an agreement with a Ukrainian partner to jointly develop and manufacture USVs in Ukraine, using Norwegian technology and expertise.
Uncrewed vessels play a critical role in helping Ukraine defend its territory and neutralize the Russian navy in the Black Sea.
This follows Ukraine’s Defense Ministry June 22 announcement that KDA, a major Norwegian manufacturer of arms and NASAMS air defense systems, had opened an office in Ukraine.
On Feb. 28, KDA's president Eric Lee announced plans to produce missiles for NASAMS air defense system in Ukraine.