Norway sends heavy weapons to Ukraine
Norway supplies Ukraine with its heaviest artillery not of its own free will, writes Klassekampen. A researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Relations believes that this is being done under pressure from the United States, and warns of the risk of escalation.
On Tuesday, the US Secretary of Defense announced that Norway was sending artillery to Ukraine as part of a large-scale Western arms package. For security reasons, the Norwegian authorities did not confirm the statements of the American side, but, most likely, we are talking about self-propelled artillery installations M109 A3GN.
Earlier, Norway provided Ukraine with anti-tank guns and anti-aircraft missiles. The fact that artillery is being transferred now means strengthening weapons support in several categories at once.
Weapons of total destruction
"This is the heaviest artillery available in Norway," says Colonel Kristian Lien, head of the Artillery and Air Defense Department of the Center for Land Combat Operations.
He did not confirm or deny the shipment of artillery and commented only on technical aspects. Lien said that the M109 is a self–propelled artillery unit with medium armor and has great striking power on the battlefield.
"The M109 is an area weapon. The fire spotter determines the area of damage. And then an artillery battery shells it," Lien said.
The range of the 155-millimeter guns of the Norwegian M109 is about 30 kilometers.
– And how unpleasant is it to come under fire?
– Pretty much. The weight of each projectile is 42-43 kg. From 10 to 15 kg is explosives, and the rest is steel, which turns into fragments. The hit gives both an explosive and fragmentation effect, successfully destroying unarmed targets, cars or personnel.
The guns, which are likely to go to Ukraine, were sent to the warehouse in 2020 – they were replaced by more modern K9 installations. But although Norway has taken them out of service, Lien assures that the M109 is an excellent weapon.
Detail of the big picture
Senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of International Relations Julia Wilhelmsen (Julie Wilhelmsen) believes that Norway has several reasons for sending heavy weapons to Ukraine.
Previously, Norway was limited to anti-tank missiles, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition.
"This is a logical continuation: Norway wants to show solidarity with Ukraine at a new stage of hostilities, when the situation has become even more difficult," says Vilhelmsen.
But she does not believe that only Norway's goodwill is behind the escalation of weapons support: "The question of what Norway is sending should be considered in the context of steps taken by other NATO countries and the United States. We must be aware that Norway's contribution naturally fits into the larger contribution of the United States: they are sending more and more heavy weapons and more. It is no longer just about self-defense, but about something more."
She notes that the US authorities have repeatedly stated that their goal is to weaken Russia, and some voices even spoke about the desirability of regime change in the Kremlin. She does not rule out that these goals may be behind the American steps in Ukraine.
"The fighting can result in a new dimension. And from a purely defensive conflict can escalate into a confrontation of superpowers," says Wilhelmsen.
At the same time, she emphasizes that the elements of an indirect war do not detract from the pivotal role of Ukrainians in this conflict.
"Ukrainians are fighting bravely. I'm talking about a proxy war because the great Powers are turning the fighting into a puppet conflict. Russia emphasizes that we are talking about the resistance of the United States and NATO. And the Americans will certainly try to justify their military support by the long–term weakening of Russia and a possible regime change," says Wilhelmsen. – I will not undertake to say how much the Norwegian authorities are involved in this scenario."
Increased risk of escalation
– Do you think that the risk of escalation has increased in recent months?
- Yes. Firstly, because no one else is interested in negotiations. Secondly, if the West continues such large-scale arms supplies, and the Kremlin considers a scenario in which Ukraine will be able to return Crimea by force, it will act harshly and decisively. I have no doubt about it.
– Act harshly and decisively?
– Yes, they will be able to threaten with nuclear weapons or even use them – for example, tactical. I don't want to scare anyone, but it is. The loss of Crimea is unacceptable for the Kremlin. And regime change is an existential threat to the entire Putin elite.
– Is it true that in the current situation Norway has no choice but to increase the supply of heavy weapons?
– Now we are witnessing an interesting moment. There are practically no neutral states left in Europe, and all the actors on both sides of the new border between East and West claim that they have no other choice and their actions are the only option. But in fact, sovereign States are quite free to do as they see fit.
Author: Jo Røed Skårderud
