- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
Fritt Ukraina has delivered two powerful outboard engines for a new boat project in Ukraine, where war-injured veterans are building patrol boats for military use.
The engines are Suzuki outboards, each with 200 horsepower. They will be installed on a newly developed pilot model that will be tested by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The boat is designed for patrol missions and will help strengthen the country’s maritime capabilities.
– This is a collaboration between Fritt Ukraina, the Norwegian organization Veterans Aid Ukraine, and the Ukrainian initiative PBO Boats. The project provides Ukrainian veterans with the opportunity to produce maritime solutions for defense purposes, says Daniel Viksund, leader of Veterans Aid Ukraine.
Although the war in Ukraine is mainly fought on land and in the air, it is not just a land war. Ukraine is now strengthening its capabilities at sea and along the rivers near the front lines. Fast patrol boats are therefore a crucial resource.
Over 5,000 drones delivered
Veterans Aid Ukraine is a Norwegian volunteer organization established and run by military veterans, deeply committed to supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
Since March 2022, the organization has delivered military equipment and supplies to Ukrainian forces, working closely with Ukrainian veteran communities. The projects also provide veterans with new roles and skills, including the production of boats, drones, and other military equipment.
– So far, we have delivered over 5,000 drones to the Ukrainian army. Now we are expanding our efforts to include the maritime sector as well, says Viksund.
From Askøy to Ukraine
Daniel Viksund has a background from the former family-owned company Viksund Boats, located in Askøy outside Bergen, Norway.
He served ten years in the Norwegian Armed Forces, including with the Telemark Battalion, the Engineer Battalion, and on two deployments to Afghanistan. Today, he lives in Ukraine, where he leads Veterans Aid Ukraine and provides technical support to PBO Boats.
Viksund was also one of the founders of PBO Boats Ukraine, which is now led by Aleksandra Klitina. The company employs Ukrainian veterans, several of whom have physical disabilities as a result of war injuries.
– My primary role now is to advise Ukrainian veterans on how to build fiberglass boats, he explains.
Joint effort on financing and transport
The boat project is funded privately by Viksund himself together with other veterans from the Norwegian Armed Forces. The engines were purchased and transported by Fritt Ukraina.
– We have had a strong partnership with Fritt Ukraina for a long time, including deliveries of vehicles and drones. Now we are also cooperating on boat engines, says Viksund.
The engines were shipped from Norway as part of Fritt Ukraina’s delivery number 83 in June 2025 and are now in Ukraine ready to be installed.
– This is a great example of cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian veteran communities. We are proud to contribute to a project that strengthens Ukraine’s operational capacity—also at sea, says Natalia Golis, Secretary General of Fritt Ukraina.
About Veterans Aid Ukraine
Veterans Aid Ukraine is a Norwegian volunteer organization established and run by military veterans who are deeply committed to Ukraine’s fight for freedom. The organization works closely with Ukrainian veteran communities, providing equipment, supplies, and technical expertise. Its projects give veterans new roles and skills, including the production of boats, drones, and other military equipment.
