On August 24, 2025, a historic milestone in European defense cooperation was achieved as Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed Denmark’s Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen and a delegation of Danish parliamentarians to Kyiv. Amid Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations, the two nations unveiled a transformative initiative under the Build with Ukraine program, announcing plans to manufacture Ukrainian-designed weapons systems—ranging from cutting-edge artillery to advanced drones—on Danish soil. This bold partnership aims to supercharge Ukraine’s frontline capabilities while redefining NATO’s approach to collective security in an era of intensifying geopolitical tensions.
A New Era of Defense Collaboration
The announcement marks a significant evolution of the “Danish model”, a pioneering strategy initiated in 2023 that sees international allies invest directly in Ukraine’s defense industry rather than relying solely on donations from national stockpiles. This innovative approach has already turbocharged Ukraine’s domestic arms production, with the 155mm Bohdana self-propelled howitzer—a NATO-standard artillery system—scaling from a modest six units per month in 2023 to an impressive twenty-plus units per month by mid-2025. Now, by establishing production lines in Denmark, this model is poised to deliver critical equipment to Ukraine’s Eastern Front faster, safer, and more efficiently than ever before.
The Kyiv meeting wasn’t just about signing agreements—it was a powerful signal of Denmark’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. By producing Ukrainian weapons systems like the Bohdana howitzer, frontline reconnaissance drones, long-range strike drones, loitering munitions, and electronic warfare systems in Denmark, the two nations are forging a resilient supply chain that sidesteps the vulnerabilities of wartime logistics. This move not only mitigates the risks posed by Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian factories but also strengthens the industrial ties between Kyiv and Copenhagen, setting a precedent for other NATO allies to follow.
What’s on the Production Line?
While specific details about the production facilities are still under wraps, the initiative is expected to focus on a suite of battle-proven Ukrainian systems tailored for modern warfare. At the forefront is the Bohdana howitzer, a 155mm artillery platform that has become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense strategy due to its precision, mobility, and compatibility with NATO munitions. Capable of delivering devastating firepower, the Bohdana has earned a fearsome reputation on the battlefield, making it a prime candidate for co-production in Denmark.
In addition to artillery, the partnership will prioritize the production of drones, which have emerged as a game-changer in Ukraine’s defense arsenal. From agile frontline tactical drones used for reconnaissance and real-time battlefield intelligence to kamikaze loitering munitions designed to neutralize high-value targets, these systems are critical to Ukraine’s ability to outmaneuver Russian forces. The inclusion of long-range attack drones further enhances Ukraine’s capacity to strike deep into enemy territory, a capability that Ukrainian officials emphasize as essential for forcing Russia into a defensive posture and paving the way for negotiations.
Denmark’s advanced industrial base also opens the door to producing electronic warfare systems, anti-drone jammers, and remote weapon stations, as well as supplying components for NATO-standard small arms, ammunition, and short-range air defense systems. These technologies, rigorously tested in the crucible of Ukraine’s battlefields, are not only vital for Kyiv’s defense but also hold immense potential for export to other NATO partners seeking to bolster their own arsenals.
Strategic Priorities: Air Defense and Long-Range Strike
The discussions in Kyiv underscored Ukraine’s two most pressing military needs: strengthening air defenses to counter Russian missile and drone barrages and developing long-range strike capabilities to deter Russian advances. The Danish-Ukrainian production initiative directly addresses both priorities. By manufacturing air defense components and long-range drones in Denmark, the partnership ensures a steady supply of critical systems to protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure while enabling Kyiv to project power far beyond the frontline.
This focus aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of building a distributed defense-industrial ecosystem that spans both its own borders and those of its allies. The initiative builds on a Letter of Intent signed on June 24, 2025, between Ukraine’s then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Poulsen, which allocated an initial 500 million Danish kroner to establish Ukrainian production facilities in Denmark. This agreement was expanded in July to include three categories of unmanned aerial vehicles: tactical drones, interceptor drones, and long-range attack drones. These systems are designed to complement Ukraine’s existing capabilities, creating a layered defense network that can adapt to evolving threats.
The Danish Model: A Blueprint for Success
The “Danish model” has already delivered tangible results. Since its inception, over $550 million has been invested in Ukraine’s defense sector through this framework, with projections indicating that total support could exceed $1.7 billion by the end of 2025. This influx of funding has enabled Ukrainian manufacturers to scale up production at an unprecedented rate, transforming the country into a hub of innovative defense technology. The Bohdana howitzer’s meteoric rise in production capacity is just one example of how foreign investment can amplify Ukraine’s industrial output.
By relocating key production lines to Denmark, the partnership mitigates the risks of Russian attacks on Ukrainian factories while ensuring uninterrupted supply chains. This strategic pivot not only bolsters Ukraine’s resilience but also positions Denmark as a leader in Europe’s evolving defense landscape. Other nations, such as Sweden, have taken note, recently signing similar agreements to co-produce Ukrainian systems, signaling the emergence of a broader European defense manufacturing network with Ukraine at its core.
A Win-Win for Ukraine and Europe
For Ukraine, the ability to produce its weapons abroad is a lifeline in its ongoing struggle against Russian forces along the Eastern and Southern fronts. The rapid delivery of domestically designed, foreign-produced equipment could prove decisive in maintaining battlefield momentum. For Denmark and its NATO allies, investing in Ukraine’s defense industry is more than an act of solidarity—it’s a strategic investment in Europe’s collective security.
The co-production model also offers economic and technological benefits. By integrating Ukrainian designs into Denmark’s industrial ecosystem, the partnership fosters innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens the technological capabilities of both nations. Moreover, the adaptability and battlefield-proven reliability of Ukrainian systems make them attractive for adoption by other NATO members, potentially positioning Ukraine as a key supplier in the alliance’s defense network.
Looking Ahead: A New Standard for Wartime Collaboration
The Denmark-Ukraine partnership is more than a bilateral agreement—it’s a blueprint for how allies can collaborate in times of crisis. By combining Ukraine’s innovative designs with Denmark’s industrial prowess, the initiative demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing modern security challenges. As Russian aggression continues to threaten European stability, this model of industrial agility and frontline supply continuity could redefine how nations support one another in wartime.
As the Build with Ukraine program gains momentum, it sends a clear message: Ukraine is not only defending its own sovereignty but also contributing to the security of Europe as a whole. With Denmark leading the charge, this partnership is poised to reshape the future of defense cooperation, ensuring that Ukraine’s brave defenders have the tools they need to prevail on the Eastern Front—and beyond.
