The Norwegian government on October 12 announced that it intends to spend up to USD 19.75 Mn (NOK 210 million) of the money that is being donated to the British-led «International Fund for Ukraine» in order to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine. Effective artillery, including sufficient amounts of ammunition, has proven to be essential in Ukraine’s defence against the Russian invasion, says Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
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Norway donated 22 M109A3GN 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. The donation included gear, spare parts, ammunition and training of Ukrainian artillerymen (Picture source: Norwegian Government)
The allotted amount lets the Norwegian Government buy ammunition for the artillery that Ukraine already has and will cover the purchase of approximately 17,000 rounds in 122mm and 152mm caliber, Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram says.
On October 12th the Minister of Defence took part in a meeting with Western allies in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, where he announced the donation. Allied donations and further support to Ukraine were discussed at the meeting. Ukraine Defence Contact Group is an American-led initiative that heralds around 40 nations. The aim is to coordinate continued military support for Ukraine. Donations ensure that Ukraine can defend itself against Russia’s illegal attack. A lot of countries contribute and will continue to do so. That is why it is critical that Norway is in close dialogue with Ukrainian authorities to coordinate Western donations, says Bjørn Arild Gram.
Norway has previously donated 22 M109A3GN self-propelled howitzers and about 100 French-made Mistral air defense missiles to Ukraine. The M109A3GN is the Norwegian variant of the German M109A3G acquired by Norway between 1969 and 1971. It is equipped with a 39-caliber barrel and has a firing range of 24,700m. In addition, Norway has already given USD 37.64 Mn (NOK 400 million) to a British fund that coordinates new purchases of military equipment to Ukraine. It is from this sum that the ammunition purchase will be taken.
The Norwegian government has also proposed to donate an additional USD 282.3 Mn (NOK 3 billion) to Ukraine in 2022. Included in this amount will be a USD 23.5 Mn (NOK 250 million) purchase of winter clothing and winter equipment for the Ukrainian forces.
