The Norwegian Armed Forces and the War in Ukraine
On this page, you will find information about how the Norwegian Armed Forces assist Ukraine in its fight for freedom.
For years, Ukraine has fought for its country and the right to determine its own future. The ongoing conflict began with Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, before separatists took control of parts of the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
In February 2022, the conflict reached a new level when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. With this, Europe is facing one of the greatest security crises in recent history. The war affects Europe, Norway, and the Norwegian Armed Forces.
From Operation Interflex in the United Kingdom, the UK-led military training of Ukrainian soldiers. Photo by Karen Gjetrang, Norwegian Armed Forces 
M72 light anti-armour weapons being loaded on board a C-130J Hercules from the Norwegian 335 Squadron. Photo by Torbjørn Kjosvold, Norwegian Armed Forces 
Leopard 2A4 tanks and support tanks donated to Ukraine. Photo by Torbjørn Kjosvold, Norwegian Armed Forces
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From 2023 to 2030, Norway's support to Ukraine is channelled through the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. The programme initially included NOK 75 billion for the period 2023–2027, but it has now been extended.
The support includes broad military assistance across several lines to support Ukraine's defence efforts. In 2023, Norwegian military support amounted to around NOK 11 billion, and in 2024, the amount is expected to be at least NOK 17 billion.
The Norwegian Parliament has decided that Norwegian support to Ukraine in 2025 will be at least NOK 35 billion. Of this, NOK 22.5 billion is military support and NOK 12.5 billion is civil and humanitarian support.
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The Norwegian Armed Forces have created an operational plan and consolidated the support into an operation we call Ellisiv. The operation is named after a Ukrainian princess who married King Harald Hardrada.
We support across four lines: training and equipment, donations, support, and lessons learned. The support is provided in cooperation with our allies.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Train and Equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces
- Operation Interflex: Training of Ukrainian soldiers in England, United Kingdom.
- Operation Gungne: Education of Ukrainian soldiers in Trøndelag County, central Norway.
- Training of Fighter Pilots and Ground Crew for the Operation and Use of F-16: The training initially took place in Denmark and from 2025 in Portugal. Read more.
- Renovator Norway: Strengthens the Ukrainian medical service and increases the capacity of medical rehabilitation centres in Ukraine. This is done through advising, mentoring, equipment, and facilitation of facilities.
- Maritime Capability Coalition: Together with the United Kingdom, Norway leads the Maritime Capability Coalition. This cooperation trains and builds the Ukrainian coastal and naval forces to a lasting and solid capacity. The work has started, including training Ukrainian marines in small-boat operations.
- Education in Germany and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training in Lithuania.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Donate Equipment
Norway has so far donated large amounts of military equipment, including cargo carriers, F-16 fighter jets, NASAMS air defence systems, mine-clearing equipment, artillery shells, artillery locating radars, rocket artillery, and Leopard 2A4 tanks.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Support Ukraine with Medical Air Evacuation
The Norwegian Armed Forces participate in the medical air evacuation of Ukrainian patients. We provide medical personnel and aircraft through an agreement with SAS. The mission started in 2022, and the government has decided that the mission will continue until April 2025 at the request of the EU.
We also contribute with F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defence systems to the airport in Rzeszow, Poland. This is to help maintain the security situation around the airport.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Conduct Lessons Learned
The Norwegian Defence University College has intensified its education and research cooperation with the National Defence University of Ukraine, particularly in digital learning.
Research through the Ukraine Programme. Read more on the Norwegian Defence University College's website.
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Press Contacts
Media seeking comments from the Norwegian Armed Forces can contact the Armed Forces' press guard at phone number +47 91 66 99 55 (no SMS), or e-mail: milinfo@fd.dep.no.
Military Experts
For military comments and answers to questions and topics about the war, see the list of experts from the Norwegian Defence University College (in Norwegian only)
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What are the Norwegian Armed Forces doing to address the security situation?
The Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation and working in close cooperation with civilian authorities, NATO, and our partners.
Even before the war started, the Armed Forces implemented several measures such as extra protection against cyber threats, updated plans, and preparedness. Since then, the Armed Forces have increased readiness in Norway and our surrounding areas.
Could there be a war in Norway?
The security situation in Europe is more serious and conflict-ridden than it has been for a long time. But it is important to remember that there is no war in Norway, and we see no increased military threat against Norway.
We are also a member of NATO, the world's strongest military alliance, which now includes our neighbours Finland and Sweden. This makes the threshold for threatening or attacking Norway very high, and we are well protected by our allies.
Is the Norwegian Armed Forces capable of defending Norway?
Norway has a modern and well-equipped defence, and we maintain good and continuous oversight of our land and sea areas. In 2024, all parties in the Norwegian Parliament agreed on a new long-term plan for the defence sector. The plan involves a significant strengthening of the Armed Forces and Norway's defence capability in the coming years.
In addition, NATO forms the foundation of Norway's defence. Should we be subjected to an attack, NATO will come to our aid and provide the support we need. NATO is the world's largest and most powerful military alliance, and together with our allies, we can defend and protect our country.
Why do we send soldiers to NATO operations in Eastern Europe?
Norway is part of NATO, and that means both security and obligations. If we are to receive support from NATO when we need it, we must also support when other NATO countries request it.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, NATO has increased its presence in several of the alliance's Eastern European members, at the request of these countries. In this, Norway contributes around 200 soldiers in Lithuania. This contribution shows that Norway is a reliable and credible ally, and the deployed forces to Lithuania represent a small part of the Norwegian Armed Forces.
From December 2024, the Armed Forces also contribute with F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defence systems to the airport in Rzeszow, Poland. This is to help maintain the security situation around the airport, within the framework of NATO's integrated air and missile defence. Norway has about 100 soldiers, NASAMS air defence, and F-35 fighter jets. The mission will take place from December to Easter 2025, and the force will operate within Polish airspace. Read more here.
Can conscripts be sent to war?
No, not if Norway is not at war. And we emphasise that Norway is not at war, and we do not see any military threat against Norway because of the war in Ukraine. Those who are in, or are about to enter, their initial service now will therefore have a regular service. Read more in this article.
Why does Norway support Ukraine militarily?
The war in Ukraine is being fought in Ukraine, but it concerns Norway to a high degree. It is crucial for Norway and Europe's security that Ukraine wins the war. Therefore, Norway supports Ukraine through the Nansen Programme and the Armed Forces through Operation Ellisiv.
Read more about the Norwegian support on the government's website.
