Ukraine is aiming to develop a prototype of a new European anti-ballistic missile defence system by the first half of 2027, as Kyiv pushes allies to create a home-grown alternative to US-made weapons that have become critical in protecting the country from Russian missile attacks, according to Reuters.
Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council and the official overseeing the project, said an international steering committee would soon begin assessing research and development costs for the system, known as Freyja.
The initiative was formally launched at a Paris summit earlier this month, where leaders from 10 European countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, joined representatives from around a dozen defence companies to establish an anti-ballistic missile coalition.
Aloian said the goal was to produce a “minimum viable product” by mid-2027 that could demonstrate the system’s first operational capabilities.
Ukraine currently relies heavily on US Patriot air defence systems, which remain the only weapons in its arsenal considered consistently effective against Russian ballistic missiles. However, deliveries have been affected by limited production capacity, political uncertainty and shortages of available systems.
Kyiv has faced intensified Russian missile attacks in recent weeks, particularly against Kyiv and the southern port city of Odesa, with Ukrainian forces struggling to intercept many incoming missiles due to shortages of interceptors.
Under the Freyja project, Ukraine plans to contribute a launcher and interceptor missile for testing, while European partners are expected to provide advanced radar technology, sensors and expertise in missile guidance systems.
Companies involved include Eurosam, which produces the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system, as well as defence groups such as Leonardo, Thales and Saab. Ukrainian drone and missile manufacturer Fire Point is expected to act as the lead industrial partner, working with German defence company Hensoldt on radar technology.
The system is being designed with an “open architecture” approach, allowing countries to integrate equipment from different manufacturers. Aloian said the project would be practical rather than political, with governments and companies working together to speed up development.
via Reuters
