As Estonia donates to Ukraine, Norway and Netherlands enhance air defences

Norway and the Netherlands have announced major procurements of advanced air defence systems, while Estonia is set to donate short-range air defence missile systems to Ukraine. 

Netherlands acquires Patriot missile systems

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence confirmed on July 1 the purchase of a full fourth Patriot fire unit to enhance the nation’s defence against long-distance threats. The new Patriot unit will be stationed at the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command in Vredepeel, complementing existing air defence systems designed to counter both short and medium-range threats.

The Netherlands’ investment in air defence is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of its armed forces. The addition of a new battery will give Netherlands two identical batteries against air threats at short and medium distance.

The Netherlands has played a leading role in supplying a Patriot system to Ukraine, making the system available to assist in the defence against the full-scale invasion by Russia. 

Estonia donates Mistral air defence systems to Ukraine

In a show of solidarity and support for Ukraine, Estonia has announced the donation of an undisclosed number of Mistral-type short-range air defence missile systems and missiles. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that this contribution is crucial for helping Ukraine defend against Russia’s continued aggression. Estonia’s aid package is designed to maximise benefit to Ukraine while ensuring the Estonian Defence Forces’ combat readiness is not compromised.

Estonia has previously provided a wide range of military aid to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missile systems, howitzers, artillery ammunition, and various other military equipment and supplies.

Pevkur emphasised that Estonia’s contributions to Ukraine are driven by both solidarity and strategic interests, as a stable and secure Ukraine is vital for regional security. “Ukraine urgently needs air defence to fend off Russia’s continued brutal aggression, and it is in Estonia’s direct security interest to contribute to this effort along with our allies. We have put together an aid package in a way that maximises benefit to Ukraine without compromising the combat readiness of the Estonian Defence Forces, and we can replenish the necessary supplies as quickly as possible,” said Pevkur.

Norway strengthens air defence with NASAMS

On 28th June 2024, Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced a contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) for the procurement of new NASAMS air defence systems. The contract, valued at approximately Nkr4.8bn ($450m), includes the delivery of multi-missile canister launchers and new Fire Distribution Centres, with expected deliveries starting in 2027.

The new NASAMS systems will replace equipment previously donated to Ukraine, enhancing Norway’s defence capabilities against aerial threats. Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the urgency of this upgrade, citing the current security situation and the need for rapid enhancement of air defence systems. 

“Air defence is crucial for the defence of both Norway and Ukraine. We are now increasing volume and upgrading the existing NASAMS system with modern equipment capable of intercepting a variety of threats. The current security situation dictates that we must accelerate the development of air defence and the upgrade of NASAMS. This agreement ensures rapid delivery to the Armed Forces and contributes to increasing production capacity in the defence industry,” said Gram

The contract also includes a fixed-price option worth $230m, allowing for the acquisition of additional air defence systems if approved by the parliament.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, stressed the strategic importance of the NASAMS upgrade for Norway’s national security. 

“A state-of-the-art air defence system is strategically important for Norway’s defence capabilities and is vital for safeguarding our national security interests. This delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats,” said Lie.