Norway and Ukraine Push for Missile Defense Tests Before Year’s End

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik and representatives of Kongsberg, including Eirik Lie, met in Oslo on October 21 to discuss air defense, industrial cooperation and military satellite communications.

According to Ukraine’s presidential office, development of individual components for the European FREYJA program has produced initial results. Participants identified areas where work could accelerate toward testing before the end of 2026.

The program aims to strengthen protection against ballistic missiles, adding a new dimension to cooperation between Ukraine and its European partners.

Air Defense and Satellite Communications

Ukraine already uses NASAMS, the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, to protect people and critical infrastructure against Russian missiles and drones, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president also said his country was counting on additional defense support packages in November.

Participants discussed starting work on new satellite communications capabilities for Ukrainian forces, with additional partners to be involved.

A Broader European Industrial Effort

The FREYJA discussions build on an industrial meeting held in Oslo on September 9, when Zelenskyy and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre met executives from defense companies in partner countries.

Participants included Ukraine’s Fire Point, Norway’s Kongsberg, and European manufacturers Weibel, Saab, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, Thales, Safran, Sener and Leonardo.

At that meeting, Zelenskyy said Ukraine could develop and manufacture an interceptor missile and a launcher. The discussions addressed contributions from international partners and the next steps for governments and companies.

The October meeting continued that process, bringing Norway’s defense minister and Kongsberg representatives together with Ukraine’s president as development advances toward the stated testing objective.

Norway Links Support to Its Own Security

Norway announced 3 billion Norwegian kroner in additional air defense support for Ukraine on July 7.

The announcement included plans to acquire Patriot missiles with Germany and Canada, combining orders from the American manufacturer with purchases from countries holding existing stocks to support faster deliveries.

In the same announcement, Norway said it was setting aside funding for Ukraine’s initiative to develop a system against ballistic missiles.

Sandvik linked participation directly to Norway’s own security, identifying ballistic missiles as a potential future threat to Norway and allied countries. The government described the Ukrainian initiative as relevant both to Ukraine’s immediate defense needs and to strengthening allied protection.