In Trendelaza, Norway and Ukraine are jointly conducting drone operator training as part of Operation Gungne. This initiative aims to exchange experience between Ukrainian instructors and Norwegian military personnel, highlighting the importance of unmanned technologies in modern defense.
Tore O. Sandvik, Norway’s Minister of Defense, noted that such training opens new horizons for the use of drones in military operations.
“Drones have become a key factor in shaping the defense capabilities of the future. The Norwegian Armed Forces must be able to effectively deploy them in the air, at sea, underwater, and on land to enhance operational capabilities.”
– Tore O. Sandvik, Norway’s Minister of Defense
This year, Norway plans to present its drone strategy, covering all aspects – from procurement to usage and counter-drone measures.
Sandvik also emphasized that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated how rapid technological development can change approaches to defense and attacks in military conflicts.
Norway is actively joining the international drone coalition supporting Ukraine, which not only strengthens the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces but also provides Norway with valuable experience.
In particular, the Norwegian Defence Research Institute (FFI), together with the army and the Defence University, is analyzing lessons from the war in Ukraine to improve the country’s defense capabilities in the future.
“In the short term, the Armed Forces must more actively employ drones and effectively integrate them with other systems. It is also important to continuously improve regulatory, technological, organizational, managerial, and tactical aspects to lay the foundation for broader drone use in the future or in conditions of rapidly increasing demand.”
– Tore O. Sandvik, Norway’s Minister of Defense
In early April, Norway officially joined the “drone coalition,” led by the United Kingdom and Latvia, underscoring its commitment to support Ukraine during this challenging time.