Results of the ‘Danish Model’ of support for Ukraine's defense industry in 2024: The Armed Forces of Ukraine received weapons valued at nearly €538 million

Ukraine and Denmark summarized the results of cooperation under the ‘Danish Model’ of support for the Ukrainian defense industry in 2024. Through this initiative, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received weapons valued at nearly EUR 538 million.

These funds result from agreements reached in 2024 with the Danish Ministry of Defence to finance arms procurement projects from Ukrainian manufacturers. The funding sources include the governments of Denmark (€125 million via the Danish National “Ukraine Fund”), Sweden (€20 million), Iceland (€2.7 million), and accrued interest on frozen russian assets (€390 million).

In 2024, Ukraine and Denmark introduced a new mechanism for financing weapon procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, known as the ‘Danish Model’. This mechanism involves the Danish government financing Ukrainian defense enterprises. Ukraine prepares a list of projects needing funding, while Danish experts examine the recommended companies, assess their capabilities, and review their track record in executing contracts.

“We are grateful to Denmark for its leadership, unwavering support, and effective implementation of the ‘Danish Model’ of cooperation with Ukraine’s defense industry. The purchased equipment is already demonstrating its effectiveness on the battlefield, enhancing our ability to withstand the enemy and bring victory closer. We hope that Denmark's example will inspire other countries to adopt similar initiatives, as this will contribute to the future security of Europe and the world,” said Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.

“I am very proud of the cooperation between Denmark and Ukraine under the ‘Danish Model.’ I am equally amazed by the speed at which Ukraine's defense industry is capable of delivering its services. Vital support is already reaching the front lines or is en route, and I hope that more countries will consider supporting Ukraine through Ukraine’s defense industry. Denmark will continue to lead the way,” said Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

At the first stage of the ‘Danish Model,’ Ukraine received the Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems. Subsequently, the production of long-range drones, as well as anti-tank and anti-ship missiles, was financed.

Procurement from the Ukrainian defense industry offers significant advantages:

• Fast delivery times;

• Competitive prices;

• The ability to organize training and maintenance close to the front lines.

Furthermore, these purchases help sustain the Ukrainian economy during wartime, enabling the preservation of jobs and fostering the development of the domestic industry.

Denmark continues to support Ukraine. EUR 135 million has already been allocated for further procurement from the Ukrainian defense industry in 2025. Additionally, Norway is expected to allocate around EUR 43 million.