The first batch of 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, financed by Denmark, is expected to be delivered in the coming months, according to the Danish Ministry of Defense.
The ministry reminded that Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen had proposed in the spring that Denmark, in cooperation with Ukraine, place orders directly with the Ukrainian defense industry.
"It is expected that the first batch of 18 'Bohdana' howitzers, financed by Denmark, will be delivered in the coming months," the statement on the Ministry of Defense's website reads.
During his visit to Ukraine earlier this year, Defense Minister Poulsen signed a letter of intent indicating that Denmark's future donations could directly fund the Ukrainian defense industry. In June, an official cooperation agreement was signed between Denmark and Ukraine, and the agreement to purchase Ukrainian-made artillery pieces is the first result of the project.
"I hope that more countries will follow the Danish model of procurement in Ukraine. The Ukrainians' ability to produce equipment exceeds the financing they currently have. Therefore, there is great potential for similar agreements to produce more equipment in Ukraine, which will simultaneously help build Ukraine's defense industry," the minister said.