Norway Scandal: 100 Million Kroner for Ukraine Masks Under Parliamentary Investigation

Norway is investigating a questionable military aid deal to Ukraine involving respiratory masks made by Watchbird.

The Norwegian Parliament has launched an inquiry into the procurement, according to the outlet VG.

The Ministry of Defense had planned to spend 100 million kroner (about $9.5 million) on SAFEgaiter masks for Ukrainian soldiers, but the deal was canceled in January this year.

“This is a scandal and a serious matter for the Minister of Defense and the government,” Member of Parliament Jonas Andersen Sayed said.

The Parliament’s Control and Constitution Committee has opened a formal oversight case against the government.

The purpose of such a case is to determine whether the government is complying with laws and parliamentary decisions, and whether it has made mistakes in matters for which it is responsible.

“Surprisingly, no checks were carried out to see whether similar products exist, and no assessment was made of the high cost of these masks,” Sayed noted.

The Minister of Defense also gave evasive answers to the committee on several specific questions about why the armed forces themselves did not procure this product.

The Kristelig Folkeparti party initiated the case.

The chair of the oversight committee, Per-Willy Amundsen (Progress Party), stated:

“It is important to emphasize that we will soon receive a report from the Office of the Auditor General regarding aid to Ukraine.”

Watchbird masks

Last summer, the government was advised to spend 100 million kroner on 33,000 SAFEgaiter masks from the Norwegian Watchbird company.

The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment also supported this recommendation.

A press release on the company’s website stated that the masks, among other things, protect against tear gas.

Journalists from VG tested the mask in a so-called gas chamber and compared it with a cheaper filter mask from Biltema – the latter provided better protection.

During the test, a person wearing a standard filter mask was able to remain in the gas chamber for three times as long.

Watchbird criticized VG’s test, stating that its mask is designed to protect against tear gas particles.

Sayed emphasized that the case raises concerns not only about a questionable procurement process, but also about impartiality in the defense sector overall – particularly at the Defence Research Establishment.

“It is also important that we have proper procedures in place to ensure that Norwegian aid to Ukraine truly matches Ukraine’s needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Watchbird has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Defense with the Oslo District Court.

The company claims it has already suffered losses of around 74 million kroner after the contract was canceled.

“The reputational damage to us is enormous,” said Watchbird CEO Rune Jomaas.

Deliveries to Ukraine

In 2025, Watchbird delivered several batches of SAFEgaiter masks to Ukraine through charitable foundations.

Last year, the company sent 2,500 masks for testing and evaluation to more than 25 Ukrainian military and civilian units.

The recipients included rescuers from the Mobile Rapid Response Rescue Center of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

Promotional materials stated that the masks filter up to 90% of submicron particles, including smoke, vehicle exhaust, as well as bacteria and viruses.

The company also claims that the masks reduce infrared (IR) visibility.

“They reduce the likelihood of detection by drones and surveillance systems by up to 50%,” the company states.

Watchbird was founded in 2022. SAFEgaiter masks are its main product and are sold through its website.

The company also advertises a personal sensor for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear safety.