Denmark Finances Production of 18 155mm Ukraine-made Artillery Systems

Denmark is financing the production of 18 Ukraine-made Bohdana artillery systems as part of its efforts to support Kyiv by directly financing equipment produced in Ukraine.

This initiative, led by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, aims to ensure faster and more effective military support for Ukraine’s front lines.

Poulsen, during his spring visit to Ukraine, saw the potential for supporting Ukraine through direct acquisitions from the Ukrainian defense industry. He emphasized the logistical advantages and the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defense production capabilities. "It provides some obvious logistical advantages while helping to build the defense industry in Ukraine," Poulsen stated.

The donation, recommended by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industry, is expected to be delivered within the coming months. This initiative follows a formal cooperation agreement signed in June between Denmark and Ukraine.

Poulsen expressed hope that other countries would adopt this model, noting the potential for increased production and support for Ukraine’s defense industry. Denmark has allocated 1.2 billion DKK ($172.5 million) from the Ukraine fund for acquisitions by the Ukrainian defense industry, shifting away from providing equipment from its own stock.

The Bohdana artillery pieces, capable of using all types of 155mm NATO artillery shells.

Denmark’s ministry signed an agreement on July 10 for international drone cooperation, securing Ukraine 1 million small attack drones over the next year. This agreement allows member states to co-finance a joint pool for purchasing these drones.

Led by Latvia, Great Britain, and Ukraine, the drone coalition aims to deliver 1 million drones to Ukraine. Denmark joined the coalition with a 'Letter of Intent' on February 14, 2024, focusing on joint drone acquisition projects to meet Ukraine's needs.

Other countries in the coalition include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, Italy, and Great Britain.