Norwegian firm boosts missile production in Ukraine amid tension

"We are currently setting up a company in Ukraine and actively negotiating with local manufacturers to create a joint venture. Our main goal is to increase the production of NASAMS missiles using Ukrainian technology," said Eirik Lie.

The president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace emphasized that the plan involves mass production of missiles. The move by the Norwegians is surprising, as many firms are hesitant to invest in Ukraine due to the risks associated with Russia. At the same time, the Kremlin might perceive the missile production as an escalation of the conflict.

"Security is very important. At Kongsberg, we want to utilise the strength of Ukraine’s industry. In the long term, when the war is over, Ukraine can be part of the supply chain providing missiles for air defense systems," Lie said, as quoted by euractiv.com.

"A lot of innovation is taking place right now in Ukraine, we will be part of that. It is important for us to be there," added Lie, whose company increased its production capacity even before the Russian aggression on Kyiv started. The decision was made because the Norwegians had already observed "saw demand increase, especially for missiles and air defense systems."

"We invested quite heavily in production sites and capabilities in Norway, the United States and Australia. Having regional production sites gives us a resilient production capacity. Our idea for that is to have multiple supply chains," added Lie, revealing that his company has a "record-high order backlog."

The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Store, expressed his support for Ukraine in the context of the scandal involving events at the White House. On Friday, Volodymyr Zelensky clashed with Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. As a result, an agreement for cooperation between the two nations on the extraction of valuable resources was not signed.

Store addressed the situation at the White House, describing it as "serious and disappointing." He emphasized that Ukraine still needs support from the USA and that its security and future are crucial both for the United States and Europe.

The Prime Minister of Norway criticized the accusations by US President Donald Trump that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, was "gambling with World War III." Store considered these allegations "deeply unfounded" and distanced himself from them.

Store emphasized that President Zelensky enjoys strong support in Ukraine and broad support in Europe. "President Volodymyr Zelensky has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and is leading his nation through a very difficult and brutal time under Russian attack. Norway stands with Ukraine in its fight for freedom," said Norway's Prime Minister. He also expressed hope that the Trump administration will understand the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister of Norway's statements were made in the context of the controversy surrounding the White House and Trump's accusations against Zelensky. Norway, like many other European countries, supports Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty and peace. Support for Ukraine is crucial in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia.