Norway pledges $700m air defence package for Ukraine

• Aid aimed at protecting Ukrainians against Russian air strikes

OSLO: Norway's government said on Sunday that it will contribute approximately 7 billion Norwegian crowns ($696.12 million) of air defence systems to Ukraine.

"Together with Germany, we are now ensuring that Ukraine receives powerful air defence systems," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in the statement.

"Germany and Norway are working very closely together to support Ukraine in its fight to defend the country and protect the civilian population against Russian air attacks."

Norway and Germany are funding two Patriot systems including missiles. In addition Norway is contributing to the procurement of air defence radar from German manufacturer Hensoldt (HAGG.DE) and air defense systems from Kongsberg (KOG.OL).