Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced the transfer to Ukraine of AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles with laser guidance, which are in service with the Norwegian army.
"This is a weapon that Ukraine has asked for, and it will prove useful in their fight against Russian invasion forces. The missile is easy to operate, and can be used against both land- and sea-targets,” said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
Read more: Ukraine’s Military Officially Announce Successful Counteroffensive in the Kharkiv Region
The supply package includes 160 missiles, launch equipment and fire control systems, reports Norwegian publication VG, which spoke to the official before the start of the Ramstein-5 meeting. According to Bjorn Graham, the Ukrainian fighters have already undergone appropriate training.
These missiles are already adapted for launching from the ground, because Hellfire is part of a light coastal missile complex. In fact, it is similar to the RBS 17 complex, which Sweden has already handed over to Ukraine.
The range of Hellfire when launched from the ground is up to 11 km, and laser target illumination is used for guidance. A ground illuminator is usually used for this purpose, but with the right organization, it is possible to use the illumination of targets from a drone.
Taking into account the existing need of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, most likely, these Hellfires will still not be used as anti-ship missiles, but for the destruction of ground objects.
It is worth noting that Norway decommissioned these complexes, so we are talking about a fairly large number of missiles at the disposal of the Norwegian 23,000-strong army. But now, according to the country's defense minister, Oslo is already planning to switch from the supply of existing weapons to Ukraine to the production of new ones.
Norway also gave Ukraine night vision equipment, including goggles and binoculars.
"Currently, we and our allies have been transferring military systems and equipment from our own stockpiles. In the future, we will need to work closely with the defense-industrial complex to ensure the necessary supplies of military equipment to Ukraine. This will also ensure that Ukraine receives more modern and efficient equipment," Gram noted.
As Defense Express reported, New $675 Mln U.S. Assistance Package for Ukraine Was Annonced on Ramstein-5 meeting. Earlier we also wrote that The US Is Developing a Plan For Military Support And Rearmament of Ukraine For Years After the Victory.
Read more: The US Is Developing a Plan For Military Support And Rearmament of Ukraine For Years After the Victory
