Defense minister reveals role of Danish Harpoon systems in Black Sea coast defense
Harpoon anti-ship systems received from Denmark play an important role in protecting the city of Odesa and Ukraine’s Black Sea coast.
Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov said this during a joint press conference with acting Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, according to the Ministry of Defense.
On April 10, Reznikov met with Poulsen as part of the latter’s visit to Ukraine. He noted Denmark's special role in supporting Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
During the press conference, Reznikov thanked his counterpart for important military aid packages, political and economic support from Denmark.
“Denmark has been helping us since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In particular, several very important programs have been launched. For example, a special fund has been set up where donor countries raise funds we can use to purchase the necessary weapons and ammunition. Harpoon anti-ship systems, which Ukraine received thanks to the leadership and initiative of the Kingdom of Denmark, play an important role in protecting Odesa and the Black Sea coast. Danish engineers have come up with an ingenious solution to how these ship-based systems can be used on ground installations. Thanks, among other things, to weapons from Denmark, the liberation of Snake Island became possible. I discussed with my colleague Troels Lund Poulsen the long-term prospects for cooperation for the coming years. Even after our joint victory, we need to strengthen our security component in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and, therefore, strengthen the capabilities of our fleet," Reznikov said.
The defense minister emphasized that the issues of demining, including of the sea areas, are critical for Ukraine.
According to Reznikov, Denmark has specialized drones – underwater vehicles that have sensors able to detect, record, and transmit coordinates to sappers who can carry out demining operations underwater. Also, a company funded in Denmark has been operating in Ukraine since 2014. It has extensive expertise in humanitarian demining, that is, of the areas located beyond combat zones.
"We need Denmark’s expertise very much. We are planning to create our own potential of at least 5,000 Ukrainian specialists who will be engaged in demining. And this is with the expectation that specialists from other countries will also be involved. After the victory and liberation of all our territories, Ukraine will face important demining tasks for decades to come. This will be a challenge for Ukraine's recovery. However, modern technology, mine detection equipment, drones (water, underwater, air, ground) will definitely facilitate this process," Reznikov said.
Paulsen, in his turn, emphasized further support for Ukraine and its defenders in the fight for freedom. He noted the will and extraordinary ability of Ukrainians to heroically repel Russian aggression.
"We have been helping Ukraine with weapons, military equipment and training Ukrainian soldiers in Denmark. Today, in Odesa, Ukrainian soldiers showed me how the Danish Harpoon missiles delivered last year are working to protect Ukraine. Thanks to these weapons, Ukraine was also able to free the corridor by sea and launch food exports. I am happy and proud to see the results of our cooperation. We are constantly studying your needs and considering ways to improve our support for Ukraine. Your struggle is also a struggle for freedom and democratic values across Europe. That is why we stand by your side," Poulsen emphasized.
Among the military aid that the Danish government has promised to provide to Ukraine are Caesar artillery systems, Leopard-1 and Leopard-2 tanks.
Poulsen also commented on the urgent issue of providing Ukraine with F-16 military multi-role fighters.
Denmark has agreed with Germany to supply Leopard-1 tanks, he reported, adding that they will be able to provide Ukraine with nearly 100 units by the summer. This is also about looking for opportunities to transfer Leopard-2.
In addition, Caesar crews are already undergoing training in Denmark.
In the next few days, the defense officials will visit the Ukrainian military to see how the training is progressing.
Denmark is already prepared to hand over the Caesar units to Ukraine.
Denmark is also aware of Ukraine's request for F-16 fighter jets, Poulsen said, adding that he believes the first step should be to train Ukrainian pilots.
He emphasized that the decision to transfer the said aircraft must be approved jointly with other NATO allies.
In addition, during a working visit to southern Ukraine, Reznikov presented a battle flag to the staff of one of the naval bases of the Ukrainian Navy on behalf of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The foreign guests visited the platform for deploying divers where they examined samples of modern equipment and gear. The Danish delegation expressed interest experience Ukraine gained in using the equipment that Denmark had earlier donated to Ukraine.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, Reznikov said that the Russian military still was not aware of the details of the sinking of the Moskva cruiser last spring so Ukraine can repeat the successful attack when the time is right.