The Governments of Norway and the UK have decided to partner to jointly procure Black Hornet, a Norwegian-developed micro-drone.
The acquisition is part of their efforts to provide military equipment to the Ukrainian forces to strengthen their capabilities amid the Russian invasion.
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The move follows a request by Ukrainian authorities for such equipment in its fight for sovereignty.
The two countries will acquire the micro-drone from Teledyne Technologies’ subsidiary Teledyne Flir.
Apart from delivering the Black Hornet units and spare parts, the countries will also handle transportation and training, all worth $9.26m (Nkr90m).
The latest package will be funded by a UK-led fund, to which Norway has so far pledged $41.17m (Nkr400m).
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By GlobalDataNorway Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said: “The Norwegian-developed drone is a global market leader. It is used in a number of allied countries, including the United States and Great Britain.
“The drone is used for reconnaissance and target identification. It is easy to operate, robust, difficult to detect, and particularly well suited for combat in urban areas.”
Norway will also procure the anti-drone system Nightfighter, worth $10.29m (Nkr100m), from British SteelRock Technologies for Ukraine.
The portable SteelRock Nightfighter’s effective jamming provides protection against drones.
It helps keep smaller patrols, artillery positions, and other resources safe.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Norway and the UK remain determined to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.
“These cutting-edge drones will help give Ukraine’s troops a vital advantage on the battlefield as they fight to defend their country against Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion.”
In June this year, Norway announced the donation of 22 M109 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers and ammunition to Ukraine.
