Denmark accelerates delivery of Caesar SPGs ordered for Ukraine

Denmark is increasing its assistance to Ukraine by the end of 2024 and accelerating the delivery of Caesar self-propelled artillery systems ordered for Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of Denmark reported on this.

The Danish government has recommended to the Foreign Affairs Committee to increase the amount of assistance to Ukraine to purchase military equipment in 2024. It also noted that Denmark and France are accelerating the supply of weapons systems to Ukraine.

“We are doing this to ensure Ukraine’s ability to continue the fight and to set a good example,” Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated.

According to the Defense Minister, one way to do this is to allocate more money to purchase new equipment for Ukraine, both from Danish industry and companies in other countries. Therefore, the government is now increasing funding so that contracts can be signed this year.

The amount of the new aid has not been disclosed. Still, it is reported that it will be in addition to the approximately DKK 2.6 billion ($380 million) that has already been allocated to purchase equipment from the industry.

In addition, the Ministry of Defense informed the Committee that Denmark, in cooperation with France, is accelerating the delivery of Caesar air defense systems to Ukraine. Initially, the delivery was scheduled for 2026, but now, Ukraine may receive them as early as 2025.

“The war in Ukraine is in a critical phase. It is very important that we support Ukraine as much as possible. Europe must step up to the plate, and with today’s donation package, Denmark is responding to Ukraine’s specific requests and demonstrating once again that Denmark is at the forefront of Ukraine’s fight for freedom. I hope that more countries will follow suit,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, noted.

Danish Caesar air defense systems for Ukraine

Denmark’s purchase of new Caesar air defense systems for Ukraine was reported in March 2024. At that time, the Danish government allocated approximately DKK 2.3 billion ($336.6 million) to purchase military equipment for Ukraine.

The assistance was funded through the Ukraine Fund and included the purchase of Caesar self-propelled howitzers, 120mm self-propelled mortars, and artillery ammunition from manufacturers.

“Artillery and mortar systems are in great demand in Ukraine. With this donation package, we are significantly contributing to the fight for Ukraine’s freedom,” Troels Lund Poulsen, then Danish Defense Minister, stated.

In addition, in 2023, Denmark transferred all 19 Caesar artillery systems to Ukraine as part of military assistance.