The anti-ballistic missile coalition is formed

„We, the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ukraine, recognizing the growing threat from ballistic missiles as well as the increasing importance of defense capabilities for the security of the European continent, announce today the commencement of work on the creation of a purely defensive Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition,” they stated, noting that they express support for the coalition’s flagship project and commit to rapid action to develop anti-ballistic capabilities.

In their view, an integrated missile defense architecture is required to defend Europe, which will allow for the deterrence and neutralization of future missile threats. When developing these defense capabilities, a joint effort, technological openness, and cooperation between industries—implemented in a spirit of trust—are necessary, the authors of the statement explained. They emphasized that this project will complement existing anti-ballistic defense systems, including solutions already operating independently as well as those whose procurement has already been agreed upon. „By pooling our defense industrial base, our research, and our operational experience, we aim to build common anti-ballistic capabilities for Europe and to support appropriate actions in this regard,” they explained.

The leaders of the initiative’s founding states noted that „through this declaration, we aim to establish common operational requirements, create joint technical working groups, define clear governance mechanisms, and develop a roadmap leading the Coalition to its initial operational capabilities—in accordance with our constitutional arrangements and international obligations,” they explained in the joint document.

The nine nations involved in the project emphasized the importance of the experience gained by Ukraine in the war against Russia.

„We will strive to support joint research and development activities within the flagship project, including seeking appropriate funding opportunities and promoting data and information sharing,” the signatories of the statement added.

Ukraine is struggling with a shortage of missiles for its air defense systems and has been calling on European countries to cooperate on its own such defense system. In early July this year, Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking about a meeting in Paris, announced that it would be dedicated to the project of the Ukrainian Freya anti-missile system, to which he plans to invite state leaders and defense sector companies. Zelensky stated that this anti-missile system is intended to be the equivalent of the Patriot system in terms of engaging ballistic targets, but it is to be produced on a larger scale and be more cost-effective. Ukraine began working on this system last year.

Furthermore, U.S. President Donald Trump announced last Wednesday during a meeting with Zelensky at the NATO summit in Ankara that Ukraine would receive a license to produce missiles for Patriot systems within Ukraine.

Defence24/PAP