Denmark to Establish Defense Industrial Hub in Ukraine

The Danish government is establishing a defense industrial hub at its embassy in Kyiv in collaboration with Danish Industry.

This initiative is aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between Denmark and Ukraine in the defense sector, while supporting Danish defense and dual-use companies interested in expanding production or forming partnerships in Ukraine.

Once operational, the hub is expected to bolster Denmark's presence in Ukraine, providing more focused support through the defense industry. The initiative will also strengthen the foundations for Danish companies to supply and innovate in Ukraine.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Denmark has been an active military donor, purchasing materiel and weapons from both Danish and foreign defense companies. In addition, Denmark has spearheaded efforts to buy military equipment directly from the Ukrainian defense industry via the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industry, which is part of what has been termed the "Danish model."

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the importance of direct engagement with Ukraine's defense sector. "When I was in Ukraine this spring to visit a number of defense industry companies, I became convinced of the possibilities of supporting Ukraine through acquisitions directly from the Ukrainian defense industry. Since then I have been back in Ukraine and visited several companies that are working around the clock to produce the defense material that Ukraine so badly needs in its struggle for independence. With the establishment of a defense industrial hub, we are now taking the next step," Poulsen said.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen highlighted the significance of public-private cooperation in defense. "Ukraine needs the best possible support as soon as possible. Therefore, we must think together about public-private cooperation in the area of the defense industry. Denmark has already purchased equipment for the Ukrainian defense directly from the Ukrainian defense industry, and with the defense industrial hub at the embassy in Kyiv, we are now going one step further. Now we are strengthening the opportunity for Danish companies to also cooperate more directly with the Ukrainian defense industry," Rasmussen noted.

The Ukrainian defense industry has been developing rapidly despite the ongoing war, with production capacity having significantly increased since 2022. This growth presents new opportunities for Danish defense companies, which are well-positioned to establish strategic partnerships and engage in development cooperation with their Ukrainian counterparts.

Work to establish the defense industrial hub is underway, and it is expected to be operational before the end of the year. The hub will be a public-private platform involving Danish authorities and the defense industry, integrated within the Danish embassy in Kyiv. Employees at the embassy, with their extensive local knowledge and networks, will assist Danish companies in establishing a presence or exporting to Ukraine.

In addition, a Danish board will be established to support strategic work in Ukraine, involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Business, and Danish Industry. Other business organizations and company representatives will also have the opportunity to participate.