Denmark allocates $14 million to purchase ammunition for Ukraine

Denmark has allocated more than £14 million for a program of joint purchases of ammunition for Ukraine by the EU countries. The 155 mm ammunition is being purchased through the auspices of the European Defense Agency (EDA). The artillery shells are expected to be delivered in 2024, the Danish Defense Ministry's press service reports.

"The Ukrainians are still in a situation where they urgently need artillery ammunition. We have to do something, and with this contribution, Denmark, in cooperation with a number of other EU countries, is taking responsibility for supplying Ukraine with 155mm ammunition for its artillery. Denmark will contribute to the increase in joint purchases of ammunition and, as before, is ready to support Ukraine in the long term," Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated.

155mm projectiles of the Ukrainian military.

Photo credits: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

To this end, the Danish government has decided to contribute DKK 100 million (over £14 million) to the joint European purchase of 155mm artillery ammunition for Ukraine. The procurement is carried out under the auspices of the European Defense Agency (EDA), which Denmark joined on March 23, 2023. The project provides a common framework and mandate for member states to conduct joint ammunition procurement.

The contract is for 8 years, and EDA is the contract holder and coordinates the procurement.

155mm shells at a factory in Tarbes, France. Photo credits: Getty Images

In early September, the European Defense Agency signed the first framework agreement on the joint procurement of artillery shells for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The EU plans to double the production of artillery shells by the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024 to meet the needs of Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Photo credits: NATO

In addition, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently stated that the alliance already has framework contracts worth EUR2.4 billion for the production of key munitions, both for Ukraine and to replenish the stockpiles of member states.