Washington, Dec 13 (NationPress) European allies are transitioning from temporary military assistance to Ukraine towards establishing enduring defence industrial partnerships as the conflict with Russia continues. This evolution is also encouraging initiatives to diversify global supply chains, particularly moving away from China, with India highlighted as a significant participant in these discussions, according to officials and analysts.

During a testimony before the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, speakers on Thursday emphasized the “Danish model,” an innovative strategy introduced by Denmark that channels foreign investments directly into Ukraine’s defence sector instead of relying primarily on stockpile donations or purchases from third countries.

“From a Danish standpoint, enhancing our own defence capabilities while supporting Ukraine is not at odds; rather, it forms part of a unified solution to fortify European defence and security,” explained Major General Karsten F. Jensen, the Danish Defence Attaché to the United States.

According to Jensen, this model enables donors to support Ukrainian manufacturers based on actual battlefield requirements. “With this framework, Denmark funds the Ukrainian defence industry directly instead of depending solely on acquiring military supplies from third countries or donating from national reserves,” he stated.

He noted that a pilot initiative resulted in the delivery of 18 artillery systems ordered in July 2024, all of which were reported ready for battle by September of the same year. Denmark contributed approximately $627 million through this model in 2024, with support anticipated to approach $2 billion in 2025.

European defence policy expert Sophia Besch remarked that Europe is transitioning from a crisis management approach to a more strategic framework. “What started in 2022 as a collection of reactive crisis measures is evolving into something more strategic,” she noted. “A capable and rearmed Ukraine represents Europe’s frontline of defence and enhances deterrence against Russia.”

Kateryna Bondar, a fellow at the Wadhwani AI Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former adviser to the Ukrainian government, pointed out that while Ukraine’s defence sector has rapidly expanded, it faces significant funding challenges. “Ukraine’s annual defence production capacity surged from approximately one billion in 2022 to over 35 billion by mid-2025,” she said, adding that by early 2024, Kyiv could only afford to purchase $6 billion worth of equipment.

Bondar highlighted that the ongoing conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, particularly the over-reliance on China. “Both Russians and Ukrainians share similar dependencies,” she remarked, particularly concerning Chinese components, notably for drones. Current efforts are aimed at diversifying sourcing, which includes India.

She also cautioned that adversaries are closely observing the conflict. “China is learning from Russia’s strategies,” Bondar stated, adding that “Putin recently visited India to establish military collaboration.”

Witnesses indicated that defence industrial collaboration is vital for sustaining Ukraine and shaping any future peace agreement. “Industrial cooperation is essential for any lasting peace,” Besch asserted, emphasizing that credible deterrence relies on scalable and predictable production.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 has compelled NATO allies to reassess defence expenditures, industrial capabilities, and supply chain resilience, with Ukraine increasingly regarded as a frontline in European defence.