The growing threat posed by ballistic missiles already exceeds existing defensive capabilities, prompting Ukraine and its European partners to work on a joint anti-ballistic defense system, FREYJA, which could become operational within a year, APA reports citing Ukrinform.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the announcement during a meeting of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, according to Ukrinform, citing the President's Telegram channel.
"Europe needs more anti-ballistic defense. Together, we can build such a system. Ukraine is ready to deliver its part: the anti-ballistic missile. We are now finalizing it," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that it is important to secure political approval recognizing Freyja as a joint project serving the interests of all of Europe.
"Europe needs more anti-ballistic defense – strong, reliable, and cheaper than other systems. Together, we can build such a system and the interceptors for it. It will be called FREYJA. I am grateful that this work has started," the President said.
Zelenskyy noted that a large number of countries and defense companies participated in the meeting and expressed their readiness to contribute.
"Ukraine can deliver its part: the anti-ballistic missile. We're now finalizing it. Others have radars and other critical components. It's important that we join forces. Today, at the level of leaders, it's very important to confirm politically that FREYJA is our common project," he said.
The President also pointed out that global anti-ballistic defense capacity remains insufficient. The United States is expanding production of Patriot systems, while Europe is increasing production of SAMP/T, IRIS-T, and NASAMS systems.
"But the need for protection is greater than the available capacity," he stressed.
"Russia is making its final bet on ballistic missile strikes against cities and villages – to break our people and stop Ukraine from defending itself. Iran fights in the same way. Russia's and North Korean cooperation has led to improvement of North Korean missiles. We can expect that there will be more ballistic missiles in the world. And there must be at least enough anti-ballistic defense. That is exactly what we are doing," Zelenskyy said.
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