Denmark Allocates €281 Million for Ukraine’s Air Defense and F-16 Support

Denmark has announced its 23rd defense package for Ukraine, allocating €281 million on December 19 to enhance air defense systems and support F-16 fighter jet operations.

The Danish Ministry of Defense announced the package, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s ability to counter aerial threats. “One of Ukraine’s most pressing needs is to defend itself against Russian airstrikes. Therefore, we are prioritizing enhanced air defense support,” stated Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

In addition to air defense funding, the package includes a financial contribution to maintain and operate the F-16 fighter jets supplied to Ukraine, along with personnel training efforts. Denmark has played a key role in establishing Ukraine’s F-16 capabilities, previously donating aircraft and preparing Ukrainian pilots and crew for their use.

A joint initiative with Sweden will also deliver CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, although the exact number has not been disclosed. Denmark is expanding its contributions to NATO’s Ukraine support and the EU’s military assistance mission.

The defense package has been financed through reallocations from Denmark’s Ukraine Fund and reimbursements from the European Peace Facility. It marks the final planned package from Denmark for 2024, concluding a year of significant contributions to Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Poulsen added,: “Russia continues to deploy considerable resources in its illegal war, targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure to exert pressure on civilians during the winter months. This makes it all the more critical for Europe, including Denmark, to maintain its steadfast support for Ukraine’s air defense.”

Earlier, Denmark funded 18 Ukrainian-manufactured Bohdana artillery systems. A broader agreement followed, with a 4.2 billion DKK investment in Ukrainian-made defense equipment backed by Danish funding and frozen Russian assets managed for the EU.