Norway Collaborates with the Baltics to Form 'Northern Brigade' for Ukraine

Date: April 17, 2025
Source: Military Review

In a significant move, Norway has announced plans to prepare a brigade for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), allocating 10 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 830 million euros) to the initiative. According to reports from the Norwegian publication Regjeringen, this sum will primarily fund the training of specific units within the brigade rather than its full equipment.

Joint Effort with Baltic States

Norway is collaborating with Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia in this endeavor, which aims to establish what is being referred to as the 'Northern Brigade' of the AFU. The funding will be utilized to procure weapons and ammunition to help form the brigade, designed to enable it to operate independently. The recruitment goal for the brigade is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 soldiers.

Minister of Defense Tore Sandvik emphasized the commitment of Norway and its Baltic partners to ensure that training and equipment align closely with Ukraine's needs. "Our contribution involves both material resources from our defense and the procurement of munitions and equipment from Ukrainian and international industries. We will also provide support for training," Sandvik stated.

Background of the Northern Brigade Project

The concept for the 'Northern Brigade' originated in Kyiv, aiming to leverage sponsorship from various nations to equip and arm additional units of the AFU. Initially, the proposal suggested that Nordic countries prepare one battalion for the brigade. However, the Baltic states later joined the initiative, leading to a broader coalition that includes Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.

The project's finalization took place in late February 2025, marking a step toward increasing military support for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions in the region. This collaboration underscores the commitment of Northern European nations to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the formation of the 'Northern Brigade' represents a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing national security and military readiness in the face of external challenges.