Ukrainian arms manufacturer Fire Point is launching a rocket fuel production facility in Skrydstrup, Denmark. To fast-track the project, the Danish government is invoking a controversial law that eliminates citizens’ rights to lodge appeals, effectively ignoring the concerns of nearby residents.
Located just next to Skrydstrup Air Base, home to Denmark’s new F-35 fighter jets, Fire Point plans to start producing solid rocket fuel on December 1st. This was revealed during a press conference featuring Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen (Liberal Party).
— We are proud to welcome them to Denmark. As a country, we are now contributing to ensuring that Ukraine can fight the important battle against the superior power Russia, stated the minister, who has visited the company in Ukraine firsthand.
Fire Point manufactures Ukraine’s “Flamingo” cruise missile, which reportedly was recently deployed against a Russian base in Crimea. This missile, considered by President Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine’s “most successful,” has an estimated range of 3,000 kilometers.
The solid rocket fuel fueling this missile will now be produced in Skrydstrup, despite significant safety concerns raised by locals.
“Dialogue” to calm concerns
To accelerate the facility’s setup, the Danish authorities are utilizing a contentious law that strips citizens of their ability to appeal and permits bypassing other legislation if the initiative is deemed vital for national defense or civil protection.
Citizens living nearby have voiced unease about hosting a rocket fuel factory, prompting a public forum on Saturday. Both Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Business Minister Morten Bødskov (Social Democrats) will attend to address these worries.
— I understand very well the many concerns that potentially arise in and around Skrydstrup, acknowledged Troels Lund Poulsen.
Haderslev’s mayor Mads Skau (Liberal Party) seeks to mediate between the government’s plans and residents’ apprehensions.
— We will ensure that it remains safe for citizens to live in the area. We do this through dialogue. I have told the ministers that it is important they keep citizens informed about what is happening.
“Hundreds of jobs”
Business Minister Bødskov highlights the factory’s potential to generate “several hundred jobs,” mainly for unskilled laborers.
Although the law in question is controversial, he assures that safety standards will remain uncompromised:
— The requirements that exist for safety distances to the surroundings we do not touch. The same applies to requirements for transporting rocket fuel. What applies today will also apply tomorrow.
Original article: nordictimes.com
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