Ukraine and Norway will begin joint production of combat drones in 2026, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on 30 November. The agreement was signed between Shmyhal and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik, with the goal of expanding Ukraine’s drone capabilities through international industrial cooperation.
Ukraine and Norway to launch joint drone production line
Shmyhal says Ukraine and Norway have agreed to jointly manufacture Ukrainian combat drones, with production to begin in 2026. Following the signing of the agreement, Denys Shmyhal announced the plan to deploy a pilot production line next year. The effort is expected to expand over time.
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine will contribute its experience and technological innovation, while Norway will provide a strong production base. The partnership will also include scientific and design collaboration with top Norwegian institutions.
“This is an important step that will allow us to scale our capabilities and strengthen Ukraine’s defense,” Shmyhal said.
He called the project an example of cooperation that increases the defense potential of all free countries and thanked Norway for its support.
Kyiv building similar drone production projects with the UK
Militarnyi noted that a similar production model is already in progress with the United Kingdom. Just days ago, Ukraine and the UK signed a licensing agreement for mass production of Octopus interceptor drones at British facilities. These drones will be delivered to Ukraine to help counter Russian UAVs used to attack Ukrainian cities and strategic targets.
The Octopus initiative is a joint defense-industrial project. Under the deal, the UK has received a license to manufacture the Ukrainian-designed interceptors at scale. Ukraine will receive the finished drones to support its air defense operations.
In October, UK Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard stated that Britain plans to produce around 2,000 of these drones per month for Ukraine. He said the manufacturing will be flexible and responsive to changing battlefield needs.
