Photo: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram visited Nammo at Raufoss in January 2024: The government supports the collaboration and has contributed funds to enable Nammo to transfer technology and expertise to a Ukrainian partner. The initiative is funded through the Nansen Programme. (Photo by: Marita I. Wangberg,FD)
The government has approved the transfer of Norwegian defence technology to Ukraine, with Norway providing financial support to facilitate this. Artillery shells developed by Nammo can now be produced in Ukraine.
Nammo has entered into an agreement that allows for the licensed production of 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine by a Ukrainian defence company. (Photo by Nammo)
– “Ukraine has a great need for artillery ammunition to withstand the Russian aggression. This government has taken several steps to increase artillery ammunition production in Norway. At the same time, we recognise the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s ability to produce modern artillery ammunition domestically,” says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour Party).
Nammo has signed a deal to establish licensed production of 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine with a Ukrainian defence company. The Ukrainian forces will use the artillery ammunition.
– Norway is already contributing by donating ammunition from its stockpiles and directly from industry. Now, Nammo will share its expertise with Ukraine. This means that Ukrainian forces can receive supplies more quickly, says Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Centre Party).
– “Nammo is proud to share technology and expertise that will help strengthen Ukraine in its defensive efforts. Collaboration with Norwegian authorities has been crucial in making this possible. A significant amount of work has gone into developing and qualifying effective ammunition suitable for mass production, and Nammo has invested time and money in technology and expertise that can now be transferred to Ukraine,” says Nammo’s CEO, Morten Brandtzæg.
The government supports the collaboration and has contributed funds to enable Nammo to transfer technology and expertise to a Ukrainian partner. The initiative is funded through the Nansen Programme.
– “It is crucial for both Ukraine and our own security that Norway continues to support Ukraine’s defence. Collaborating with the Ukrainian defence industry is a wise and effective way to support the Ukrainian forces,” says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
In March, the government opened the possibility for Norwegian defence companies to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a licence to transfer technology to Ukraine. Nammo applied for and was granted a technology licence by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Facts
Licensed Production in the Defence Industry
Licensed production in the defence industry refers to the manufacturing of military equipment and technology based on licences from foreign defence suppliers. This ensures access to advanced defence technology without developing everything independently, saving both time and costs for the national defence industry.
In Norway, licensed production is an important part of the defence industry. For example, Kongsberg produces several weapons and defence systems under licences from foreign partners. Nammo, a Norwegian-Finnish company, manufactures ammunition and rocket motors based on licensed technology and is another key player in this sector.