Norway to fund F-16 munitions and S-300 air defense missiles for Ukraine

Norway will finance a new military aid package for Ukraine that includes F-16 fighter jet ammunition and a substantial provision of surface-to-air missiles for Soviet-era S-300 air defense systems, Oslo announced on December 17, 2025. 

The package, unveiled by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, is valued at approximately NOK 3.2 billion ($290 million) and is being delivered under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. While Norway has been a key backer of Ukraine’s transition to Western airpower, the inclusion of S-300 missiles stands out as an unusual contribution from a NATO country with no legacy use of the system. 

S-300 missiles, an unexpected contribution 

According to the Norwegian government, more than NOK 500 million ($45 million) of the package is earmarked for long-range air defense missiles intended for Ukraine’s existing S-300 systems. 

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine was assessed to be operating one of the largest S-300 air defense fleets outside Russia, with several dozen batteries and well over a hundred launchers forming the backbone of its long-range air defense network.  

Despite attrition and severe missile shortages, the Soviet-designed S-300 remains in active use. Depending on the missile variant, the system can engage aircraft and cruise missiles at ranges of roughly 75 kilometers (47 miles) to more than 150 kilometers (93 miles) and at altitudes of up to 27 kilometers (17 miles), using phased-array radars to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, making it particularly suited for area defense of major cities and critical infrastructure. 

Norway did not specify the origin of the S-300 missiles, but Western governments have previously relied on indirect procurement, third-party transfers, or financial mechanisms to source Soviet-standard munitions from countries still operating or stockpiling them. 

F-16 ammunition via US procurement channel 

In parallel, Norway will allocate more than NOK 1 billion ($90 million) to finance ammunition for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets, including laser-guided missiles. The funding will be channeled through the US-led JUMPSTART mechanism, which allows partner countries to procure weapons and equipment for Ukraine via the US Foreign Military Sales framework. 

Norway has been closely involved in Ukraine’s F-16 effort, contributing to training, sustainment, and logistics alongside other European donors. While deliveries of Western fighters have expanded Ukraine’s air force capabilities, sustaining operational tempo has increasingly shifted attention toward ammunition availability rather than aircraft numbers. 

Air defense remains the priority 

Støre described air defense as one of Ukraine’s most urgent military needs, as Russia continues long-range strikes against energy infrastructure and civilian targets. 

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“Ukraine’s freedom and independence depend on continued military support from its partners,” the prime minister said, framing the package as part of Norway’s long-term commitment rather than a one-off donation. 

Norway has previously supplied NASAMS air defense systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine. The decision to now also fund S-300 interceptors shows a continued relevance of Soviet-era systems alongside newer Western equipment. The post Norway to fund F-16 munitions and S-300 air defense missiles for Ukraine appeared first on AeroTime.

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