Norway, Germany to send IRIS-T battery to Ukraine this autumn

In cooperation with Germany, Norway will donate a complete IRIS-T air defense battery to Ukraine this autumn to bolster the country's air defenses.

The Norwegian government said this in a press release, Ukrinform reports.

"The brutal attacks we have seen this past week show why it is so vital for the Ukrainians to have greater protection from Russian air attacks. In cooperation with Germany, Norway will donate a complete IRIS-T air defense battery to Ukraine this autumn," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide said that the Ukrainians themselves have the best insight into what is needed.

"So we are in close contact with Ukraine when determining how we should target our support to the country," he said.

Read also: NATO countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriots, dozens of other air defense systems

This donation is being financed under the Norwegian Nansen Support Program for Ukraine.

According to the press release, in addition to increasing its allocation to Germany's Immediate Action for Air Defense initiative, Norway is providing funds for the international effort to repair and maintain air defense equipment in Ukraine. This support is being carried out via third countries.

Earlier reports said that Norway was providing an additional NOK 1 billion ($92.69 million) in funding for air defense systems in Ukraine.