Ukraine seeking prototype of European anti-ballistic missile defense system by mid-2027

Ukraine aims to have a prototype of the European anti-ballistic missile system codenamed Freyja ready by the first half of 2027, as Kyiv pushes allies to help develop a lower-cost alternative to the US-made Patriot system. Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said an international steering committee will soon estimate R&D costs. The project was launched at a Paris summit two weeks ago with 10 European countries and a dozen defense manufacturers.

Ukraine is pushing for a prototype of a European anti-ballistic missile system, codenamed Freyja, to be ready by the first half of 2027. Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, who oversees the project, said an international steering committee tasked with estimating research and development costs will convene soon. The initiative was officially launched at a Paris summit two weeks ago, attended by leaders from 10 European countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and around a dozen defense manufacturers. Ukraine is heavily dependent on US-made Patriot air defense systems, the only weapon capable of reliably downing Russia's ballistic missiles, but supplies have been affected by political volatility and low stocks. Russia has intensified ballistic strikes on Kyiv and Odesa this month, with many missiles undowned due to a lack of interceptors. Ukraine is ready to provide a launcher and interceptor missile for Freyja, which Zelensky described as a "matter of testing." Kyiv expects allies to contribute technology such as radars, sensors, and missile guidance expertise. Defense companies involved include Eurosam, Leonardo, Thales, and Saab. Ukrainian manufacturer Fire Point will be the lead industrial partner and has a deal with Germany's Hensoldt for radar. Freyja aims to be a lower-cost alternative to the Patriot, with an open architecture allowing interchangeable parts from different countries. Aloian hopes a special fund will ensure stable financing and reduce red tape.