Ukrainian defense companies to open production facilities in Denmark
Today, on July 4, in Copenhagen, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin and Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark Morten Bødskov finalized agreements on cooperation in defense production between the two countries. The document signed by the two sides outlines specific steps to facilitate Ukrainian defense companies in setting up new production facilities in Denmark.
"A year ago, Denmark became the first country to finance the production of weapons by Ukrainian enterprises. Today, Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its domestic defense technologies for production, scale-up and supply to the Ukrainian army. This signing is a historic moment and a unique case for the Ukrainian defense industry. I am extremely grateful to Denmark for such a significant assistance to the Ukrainian defense industry, for timely decisions and high-level support of defense cooperation. This is incredibly valuable for us. Denmark is a true friend to the Ukrainian defense industry, our staunch ally in the fight against the aggressor. Ukraine, for its part, will make every effort to bolster the defense capabilities of Denmark and its partners. Together we are stronger!" said Herman Smetanin.
Furthermore, the two countries will remove obstacles to cooperation and protect joint technologies from misuse through various initiatives and projects.
"Denmark stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We must support Ukrainians on all fronts. I want to thank the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Herman Smetanin, for our fruitful and close cooperation. With today's signing, we are taking another important step together to bring Ukrainian defense companies to Denmark. In this way, we can share experiences and give a boost to the Danish defense industry, while supporting the production of defense materials for the brave Ukrainian fight for freedom from Denmark," said Morten Bødskov.
On April 16, the Kingdom of Denmark announced the allocation of 200 million Danish kroner (USD 28.5 million) for the purchase of weapons and military equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Ukrainian manufacturers. This was the first step that actually launched the ZBROYARI: Manufacturing Freedom project.
"I remember last April when we were sincerely happy to receive the first donation from Denmark to the Ukrainian arms industry. Today, defense production has grown, expanded, and is already becoming a pillar of security and defense capability for the whole of Europe. When our companies launch production in the EU, it is no longer about aid, but about trust. It is about sustainable cooperation based on common interests and mutual benefit. Ukrainians know how to manufacture weapons. And now they will produce them together with Europe for the common security. I sincerely thank Denmark for its leadership and trust. Thank you for building the Arsenal of the Free World together with us!" said Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshyn.