On 20 March, in the Norwegian city of Raufoss, a local company and one of the leading Ukrainian defence companies signed a joint statement of strategic cooperation to expand their existing partnership.

The signing took place in the presence of Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Norway Andreas Flåm.

The partnership builds on the successful cooperation in the transfer of 155 mm artillery ammunition production technology to Ukraine, which is bilaterally supported by the governments of Norway and Ukraine. This cooperation will help meet Ukraine’s needs for sovereign and national ammunition production.

According to the Head of the Ministry of Defence and Strategic Industries, last year Ukraine launched mass production of 155 mm ammunition.

“Today, this is the main artillery calibre of the Ukrainian army and NATO member states. The national defence industry must increase their production,” said the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine.

Herman Smetanin thanked the partners who contribute to the strengthening of the Ukrainian defence industry, stressing that Ukraine’s defence capability is the foundation of security in Europe.

“NAMMO is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in Europe. I am grateful to the company’s management for their willingness to cooperate with Ukrainian producers. Special thanks to Andreas Flåm, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Norway, for his presence and support of this cooperation at the state level,” concluded Herman Smetanin.

On 18 March, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin and Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshin met with representatives of local defence companies in the Czech Republic.