Nordic defence ministers are meeting in Oslo on 11-12 November 2026 under Norway's chairmanship of Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), with support for Ukraine and stronger cooperation inside NATO at the top of the agenda.

As chair of NORDEFCO in 2026, Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, is hosting his Nordic counterparts for the two-day meeting in the Norwegian capital, the Norwegian government said.

Topics for the different meeting formats will include strengthened Nordic defence cooperation within the framework of NATO through ongoing and new initiatives. Total defence and civil-military cooperation will also be on the agenda. In addition, the ministers will discuss developments in the security policy landscape and current issues such as continued support for Ukraine and the ongoing burden shift in NATO.

First joint meeting with justice ministers

On the first day, the Nordic Chiefs of Defence will meet with the Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, General Nick Perry, and a joint meeting between NORDEFCO and the Haga cooperation will take place. This will be the first time the Nordic defence ministers and ministers of justice meet in this format, bringing military cooperation together with civil protection and emergency preparedness.

The Nordic Ministers of Defence will be available to the media at a press briefing at 11.30 on Thursday 12 November at the Ministry of Defence, Glacisgata 1, Oslo.

NORDEFCO, the Nordic Defence Cooperation, was founded in 2009 and brings together Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Norway holds the chair in 2026.

Ukraine takes part in JEF talks for first time

Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal began a working visit to Norway with a meeting with Sandvik, the Ukrainian government said. He thanked Norway for its substantial support and for the invitation to the meeting of the defence ministries of the nations participating in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a format in which Ukraine will take part for the first time.

Following the defence ministers' meeting, the parties signed a memorandum on unified quality standards for defence products produced or delivered within the framework of joint agreements. Another memorandum was signed between Ukrainian and Norwegian companies to establish a joint defence enterprise in Ukraine.

"The signed memoranda will strengthen our defence-industrial potential and contribute to equipping our military exclusively with high-quality weapons," Shmyhal said.

Norway pledges $7 billion for Ukraine next year

The defence ministers also discussed the Armed Forces of Ukraine's priority needs and the strengthening of air defence. Shmyhal emphasised that Ukraine stands ready to share its experience in countering enemy drones, and enhancing long-range capabilities was another key point of the discussion.

Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik confirmed Norway's continued support for Ukraine and announced a decision to allocate USD 7 billion next year to meet defence needs.

"I am grateful to the Government and people of Norway for their significant contribution - for providing F-16s, supporting the Ukrainian Air Force, and participating in the PURL initiative and the Maritime Capability Coalition," said Shmyhal.

The Oslo meeting comes as the Nordic countries continue to deepen defence cooperation following Finland's and Sweden's accession to NATO, and as European allies discuss how to share more of the burden of supporting Ukraine.

Frequently asked questions

What is NORDEFCO? NORDEFCO is Nordic Defence Cooperation, bringing together Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. It was founded in 2009 and is chaired by Norway in 2026.

What is on the agenda in Oslo? Strengthened Nordic defence cooperation within NATO, total defence and civil-military cooperation, continued support for Ukraine and the burden shift in NATO, plus a first joint meeting of defence and justice ministers.

How much is Norway giving Ukraine? Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik announced a decision to allocate USD 7 billion next year to meet Ukraine's defence needs.