Denmark bolsters Ukraine’s air defense with new military aid package
With almost half of Denmark's 18th aid package allocated to air defense, Ukraine is set to receive much-needed reinforcement in its efforts to protect its cities from relentless Russian shelling.
On 16 May, the Danish government announced the 18th donation package for Ukraine worth 5.6 billion kroner ($815 million), with almost half of it allocated to air defense.
This news comes as Denmark is about to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this summer that can help counter Russia’s air superiority at the frontline. Currently, Ukrainian F-16 pilots are undergoing training in Denmark, the UK, and the US.
Almost half of the new aid package will go towards air defense, which Ukraine urgently needs amid continuous Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities, according to the Danish Ministry of Defense.
A portion of the funds will contribute to the capabilities of the upcoming F-16 fighter jet donations, which Ukraine intends to receive this summer. Additional funds will be reserved for direct investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, according to Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
“With today’s donation, we are meeting Ukraine’s acute need for more air defense, artillery, and ammunition. As part of the package, the government is also reserving additional funds for investments directly in the Ukrainian defense industry,” said Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
He emphasized that Denmark firmly supports Ukraine and its people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Denmark for the military aid package, which “includes air defense, artillery, strengthening of the F-16 program, and direct purchases from Ukrainian defense manufacturers,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Announced in April, Denmark’s 17th donation package was worth $313 million and focused on providing Ukraine with defense equipment, ammunition, drones, and missile components.
Earlier, Denmark also allocated about $5.8 million to Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
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