Ukraine, Denmark could team up on anti-ballistic shield
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (photo: mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine and Denmark are expanding their defense partnership to meet the key needs of Ukraine's Defense Forces. The two countries are focusing on procuring Ukrainian-made drones, localizing production, and developing air defense capabilities, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
Drone procurement, Danish model
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov held talks with his Danish counterpart Troels Lund Poulsen. The main focus of the discussions was the supply of Ukrainian-made drones for the Defense Forces, including interceptor drones.
During the meeting, the parties discussed scaling up the successful Danish model of support for the defense industry. This approach allows foreign partners to finance weapons production directly in Ukraine.
Since 2024, this mechanism has helped raise about $3 billion for the production of Ukrainian weapons, including more than 200,000 drones, thousands of electronic warfare systems, and missiles.
Ukraine expects further growth in procurement under this model, which would allow it to supply the front line more quickly while also investing in the domestic defense industry.
In addition, Minister Fedorov called for additional assistance to be allocated as soon as possible ahead of the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, scheduled for June, to support the implementation of the defense strategy.
Localization of production, Drone Deal
The parties discussed steps to localize new production facilities in Denmark to support the needs of Ukraine's Defense Forces. Such cooperation is expected to benefit both sides, as Ukraine would receive more battlefield equipment while Denmark would gain access to technologies that have already proven effective in modern warfare.
The ministers also separately reviewed the prospects of a Drone Deal between the two countries. The format is expected to simplify the exchange of technology and defense products and accelerate the implementation of joint projects in unmanned systems.
Another issue on the agenda was Denmark's support for scaling up the production of Ukrainian missiles.
Anti-ballistic project, strengthening air defense
Another key area of defense cooperation identified by the two sides is the development of air defense capabilities and preparations for Ukraine's own anti-ballistic project.
The Ukrainian side invited Denmark to join the initiative. In particular, Ukraine proposed that Denmark contribute radar systems that could become an important component of the future technical solution.
Ukrainian arm-making
Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine had already simplified the procedure for leasing state-owned property to defense industry enterprises during martial law.
As a result, Ukrainian defense manufacturers gained new opportunities to expand production during the war, as they were granted the right to lease state-owned property without an auction. The preferential terms became available to developers of missile systems, new types of weapons, and explosive materials.
Also, Ukraine, together with several dozen foreign countries, is actively expanding drone production abroad under the Build with Ukraine initiative and other projects.
In particular, Ukraine and Europe are launching joint drone manufacturing projects in allied countries, including Norway, the Netherlands, Romania, and Germany. This model makes it possible to establish production lines in locations not under constant threat of Russian attacks.
