DENMARK ESTABLISHES DEFENCE INDUSTRY HUB IN KYIV
Since the Russian invasion, Denmark has been one of the most active military donors in terms of procuring equipment and weapons from Danish and foreign defence industries. Additionally, Denmark has led efforts to acquire military equipment and weapons from the Ukrainian defence industry via the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Strategic Industries, in order to donate them to the Ukrainian military – a model referred to as the ‘Danish model’.
‘When I visited Ukraine this spring to meet with several defence industry companies, I was convinced of the potential for supporting Ukraine through direct procurement from the Ukrainian defence industry. I have since returned to Ukraine and visited several companies working around the clock to produce the defence equipment Ukraine desperately needs in its fight for independence. With the establishment of a defence industry hub, we are now taking the next step,’ says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.
‘Ukraine needs the best possible support as soon as possible. Therefore, we must integrate public-private cooperation within the defence industry. Denmark has already purchased equipment for the Ukrainian military directly from the Ukrainian defence industry, and with the defence industry hub at the Embassy in Kyiv, we are taking this further. We are increasing opportunities for Danish companies to work even more closely with the Ukrainian defence industry,’ says Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
Despite the challenges posed by the war, the Ukrainian defence industry is developing rapidly, and total production capacity has increased significantly since 2022. This creates greater potential for Danish defence companies, which are well-positioned to enter strategic partnerships and development cooperation with Ukrainian firms.
‘Putin’s obnoxiousness knows no bounds, and Russia is trying hard to destroy the Ukrainian economy and fighting spirit. However, if you look at the Ukrainian defence industry, Putin’s mission has failed. The situation in Ukraine clearly demonstrates that wars are not only won on the battlefield but also, to a large extent, on the industrial front. Therefore, we are now strengthening cooperation between the Danish and Ukrainian defence industries with the establishment of the Defence Industry Hub. This new hub lays the foundation for development partnerships and increased trade, so Denmark can continue to contribute to Ukraine’s fight for freedom,’ says Morten Bødskov, Minister for Trade and Industry.
Work to establish the defence industry hub is now underway, and it is expected to be operational before the end of the year. The hub will be a joint public-private platform with participation from Danish authorities and industry. It will be an integral part of the Danish Embassy in Kyiv, where employees will use their strong networks and local knowledge to support Danish companies in establishing themselves in Ukraine or exporting to Ukraine.
‘The Defence Hub in Kyiv is the first step towards closer Danish cooperation with Ukrainian companies and authorities, which will have positive effects both in the short and long term. It is crucial for the Confederation of Danish Industry that we utilise the Danish capabilities within the companies in the best possible way, so that together we can support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. In Denmark, the public and private sectors are united in their support for Ukraine, and the defence hub is another expression of this,’ says Joachim Finkielman, Director of the Confederation of Danish Industry Defence and Security.
To support the strategic work in Ukraine, a Danish advisory board will be established, comprising members from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Business and Industry, and the Confederation of Danish Industry. Other business organisations and company representatives will have the opportunity to join.
Press release (in Danish) here.
Photo credit: UA MOD