Denmark orders production of 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers for Armed Forces of Ukraine
Photo: SPH Bohdana (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Denmark has ordered the production of 18 self-propelled howitzers Bohdana for the Ukrainian military. It is expected that the artillery systems, funded by Copenhagen, will be delivered in the coming months, according to the Ministry of Defense of Denmark.
"Denmark is making a direct contribution to the Ukrainian defense industry by providing financial support for Ukrainian-made Bohdan artillery pieces. This is an important step in future efforts regarding donations and in building Ukraine's defense industry," the statement reads.
The department specifies that this involves the first batch of 18 units. It is noted that the artillery guns, funded by Denmark, will be delivered in the coming months.
"When I was in Ukraine this spring visiting a number of defense industry enterprises in Kyiv, I saw firsthand the capabilities of supporting Ukraine through direct purchases via the Ukrainian defense industry," said Danish Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen.
According to him, Copenhagen ensures that the necessary equipment for the front can be manufactured and delivered nearby.
"This provides some obvious logistical advantages and helps build Ukraine's defense industry. Ukrainian-made artillery plays a central role here as a pilot project," he added.
The minister expressed hope that more countries would follow Denmark's procurement model in Ukraine.
"The Ukrainians have more capacity to produce equipment than the funding they currently have. Therefore, there is great potential for similar deals to produce more equipment in Ukraine, simultaneously helping to build Ukraine's defense industry," concluded the head of the Danish Ministry of Defense.
What preceded this
Recently, it was reported that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is establishing a Defense Fund. It will focus on collaboration with allied countries in joint defense enterprises. As noted by the head of the department, Rustem Umerov, Denmark is the first NATO country to directly finance Ukrainian arms and ammunition production. The first contract is set to be signed soon.
During a visit to Ukraine earlier this year, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen signed a letter of intent, under which Denmark can finance contracts directly from the Ukrainian defense industry.
In June, an official cooperation agreement was signed between Denmark and Ukraine, and the agreement to purchase Ukrainian-manufactured artillery guns marks the first outcome of the project.
Production of the Bohdana SPHs
Ukraine is engaged in the production of the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer (SPH). This wheeled, 155mm caliber artillery piece is of Ukrainian manufacture and is the first Ukrainian SPH designed for NATO-standard caliber.
According to information from open sources, the first public mention of the Bohdana SPH appeared in July 2018. In April, it was reported that production of Ukrainian Bohdana SPHs had increased to 8 units per month, up from the previous level of 6 units per month.
