United to win: Ukraine and Europe prepare to test FREYJA anti-ballistic system
According to him, without support from allies, Ukraine could not implement the project to build the first European anti-ballistic defense system on its own.
Zelenskyi expressed hope that development work will allow the project to move to practical testing within the coming months.
He also emphasized that a dedicated system of this type is essential not only for Ukraine but also for other European nations. Currently, American Patriot systems remain the primary alternative for intercepting ballistic missiles, though their numbers remain limited.
"We respect our American partners. They have a powerful Patriot anti-ballistic defense system. However, a major shortage of such systems and their missiles exists. Furthermore, their cost has multiplied several times due to global wars," Zelenskyi noted.
The president added that Ukraine expects to co-develop the FREYJA system with European partners, making it available to all countries that join the project.
Background
On July 9, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi introduced Ukraine's Freyja anti-ballistic project. The head of state announced that Ukraine will execute the anti-ballistic project alongside European partners, noting that the system aims to become a more accessible and affordable alternative to the Patriot system for intercepting ballistic targets.
As Rubryka reported, on July 13, Ukraine and nine European nations announced the establishment of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition. Members plan to jointly develop capabilities for defense against ballistic missiles and strengthen defense cooperation.
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and Great Britain founded the initiative. Notably, the Anti-Ballistic Coalition remains open to other nations that share its principles and stand ready to join the development of a joint anti-missile defense system.
On the same day, the head of state noted that Ukraine's Freyja anti-ballistic project could reach operational deployment within the next year. The design combines existing European missile defense components with a new, low-cost interceptor missile produced in Ukraine.
Project participants include Ukrainian Fire Point, Norwegian Kongsberg, Swiss Weibel, Swedish Saab, German Diehl Defense and Hensoldt, French Thales and Safran, Spanish Sener, and Italian Leonardo.
FREYJA partners expect to achieve initial results in 2027. Ukrainian defense enterprise Fire Point plans to complete work this autumn on the FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, featuring an operational range of up to 200 kilometers and a 150-kilogram warhead. Simultaneously, the company is developing the longer-range FP-9 missile, capable of reaching up to 855 kilometers.
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12 of November 2026
