Denmark has funded the production of 18 Bohdana SPHs in Ukraine (pictured being fired by Ukraine's 43rd Separate Mechanised Brigade in the Kharkiv region on 21 April). (Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images)
Denmark signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ukraine on 29 September to support the war-torn country's defence industry, the two countries' ministries of defence (MoDs) announced on their websites later the same day.
Under the agreement signed by Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, and Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin, Denmark is allocating nearly DKK4.2 billion (USD622.5 million) to Ukrainian defence production. It will contribute DKK1.3 billion of this amount, with the remaining DKK2.9 billion coming from Russian assets frozen by the European Union (EU).
Strengthening Ukraine
Poulsen said these donations for weapons directly from Ukraine's defence industry strengthen “the ability of the Ukrainians to produce exactly the weapons that are in demand”. Umerov added, “It is a direct contribution to enhancing Ukrainian combat drones, missiles, and anti-tank systems. This monetary support will help us speed up the deployment of necessary weaponry to the battlefield, ultimately reinforcing the defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
Umerov said, “Not only do these investments contribute to the enhancement of Ukraine's defence capabilities, but they also play a crucial role in sustaining our economy during the war. It is a great honor for us to have Denmark as an ally.” He expressed Ukraine's openness to new co-operation formats with other European countries, adding, “Our goal is to have a strong defence industry that will ensure victory on the battlefield and regain the country's territorial integrity.”
Earlier in 2024, a Danish pilot project financed the Ukrainian production of 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers (SPHs).
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
