Norway has transferred to Ukraine 22 self-propelled M109 howitzers, including spare parts, ammunition and other equipment.

This was reported by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.

"Ukrainian forces depend on Western support in the form of military equipment and weapons. So that they can counter Russian attacks," said Defense Minister Berne Arild Gramm.

In February, the government decided to give Ukraine up to 2,000 M72 anti-tank weapons. The M109 SAU is a continuation of the military support.

According to Gramm, the development of the war in Ukraine indicates that heavy equipment and weapon systems must now be transferred as well.

For security reasons, the Norwegian Defense Ministry had not previously commented on the transfer of the howitzers.

The confirmation came after Valery Zaluzhny, commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanked Norway for the supply of the SAU and wrote that the weapons from Norway are already being used on the front lines.

"As for technical characteristics, the M109A3 howitzers have a larger caliber and powerful ammunition compared to their Soviet counterparts. The range of fire is up to 22 km. But in the future we can use active-jet projectiles, which increase this distance. Experienced artillerymen also note the convenience of the charges, which are sealed and absolutely identical, which affects the accuracy of the dispersion of the shots. My men easily mastered the M109A3 in one week," he wrote on Facebook.