KYIV: Ukraine is aiming to have a prototype of a new European anti-ballistic missile defence system ready by the first half of 2027 as it works with allies to strengthen protection against Russian missile attacks.
The proposed system, codenamed Freyja, is being developed through a coalition of 10 European countries and several defence manufacturers following its official launch at a summit in Paris earlier this month.
Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, said the project had an ambitious timeline, with a minimum viable prototype expected to demonstrate its first practical results next year.
Ukraine hopes the new system will reduce its heavy dependence on US-made Patriot air defence systems, currently the only weapons in its arsenal capable of reliably intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Kyiv plans to contribute launchers and interceptor missiles to the project, while European partners are expected to provide advanced radar systems, sensors and missile guidance technology.
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Defence companies involved include Eurosam, Leonardo, Thales, Saab and Germany’s Hensoldt.
The project is designed with an open architecture, allowing countries to integrate domestically produced components rather than relying on a single supplier.
Officials said the coalition was also considering creating a dedicated funding mechanism to support research, development and production while encouraging closer cooperation between governments and defence companies.
Ukraine has faced an increase in Russian ballistic missile attacks in recent weeks, with officials citing shortages of interceptor missiles as a major challenge in protecting cities, including Kyiv and Odesa.
