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Norway has shipped the Mistral air defence system for Ukrainian forces, as Kyiv continues to receive military aid to defend against Russian aggression.
According to a government statement, the package includes approximately 100 Mistral air defence missiles, and multiple launchers.
Mistral is a very short-range air defence (SHORAD) missile system that can be used to intercept different aerial threats. It can be launched from vehicles, surface ships, and helicopters.
Norway will phase out the Mistral air defence system within a few years. The donation will not impact its military readiness.
Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram said: “The conflict could draw out in time, and Ukraine is dependent on international support to withstand Russian aggression. The Norwegian Government has therefore decided to donate Mistral air defence to Ukraine.”
He added that the system will be of great benefit to Ukraine.
The Norwegian Government previously delivered 4,000 M72 light anti-armour weapons, and other non-lethal aid such as helmets and flak jackets, to Ukraine.
Several other nations are also supplying military and non-military aid to the embattled nation.
Reuters reported that Israel authorised the supply of helmets and vests to Ukrainian rescue services amid the crisis.
The US, the UK, and Canada recently agreed to send additional artillery weaponry to Ukraine.
Defence contractor AeroVironment donated more than 100 Quantix Recon uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to the Ukrainian forces.
The UAS can be used for reconnaissance and data collection missions.
