Ukraine expects its first domestically produced anti-ballistic missile system, FREYJA, to be ready by the end of 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said whilst speaking to journalists in Canada. Kyiv plans to manufacture the interceptor missile and the launch system, whilst sourcing radars, sensors and other components from its partners. At the same time, Ukraine aims to secure 100–120 Patriot missiles per month for the winter.
Briefly about the main points
- The first FREYJA anti-ballistic missile system is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
- Ukraine is capable of manufacturing the interceptor and the launch system for the complex.
- Ten countries are already taking part in the programme, and Canada is ready to join.
- Kyiv is seeking Patriot missiles from its partners for the winter period.
- Zelenskyy called on the US to speed up sanctions against Russia.
European cooperation and Ukrainian elements
FREYJA It is being promoted as a joint European anti-ballistic missile system, the development of which was initiated by Ukraine. The project is primarily aimed at countering ballistic missiles — one of the most challenging types of target for Ukraine’s air defence.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine has the capability to produce its own interceptor missiles and launchers. Its partners must provide the critical technologies: radars, sensors and other components of a fully-fledged missile defence system.
Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom have joined the programme. Following talks in Canada, the President also announced Ottawa’s readiness to join FREYJA.
In early September, the programme was discussed in Oslo with executives from Fire Point, Kongsberg, Weibel, Saab, Diehl Defence, HENSOLDT, Thales, Safran, Sener and Leonardo. The parties outlined specific steps for the coming months.
Patriot remains a key resource as winter approaches
Ukraine’s own system is currently unable to replace the Patriot, so the country relies on supplies of American interceptor missiles. Zelenskyy described even the monthly delivery of 100 missiles as an extremely difficult task, given the limited global stocks and production capacity.
Patriot remains one of the few Western systems available to Ukraine for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. The demand for ammunition is also rising because several interceptors may be deployed to increase the probability of hitting a single ballistic target.
According to the President’s assessment, Russia continues to ramp up production of such missiles. In June, Zelenskyy spoke of approximately 120 ballistic missiles per month, whilst Ukrainian intelligence subsequently reported a further increase in the production of certain types of missiles.
Kyiv is seeking available missiles and stepping up its own development programme
At the same time, Ukraine is trying to acquire the missiles it has available Patriot from the US, Europe and other partner countries, and is counting on an increase in their production. During talks with Norway, Zelenskyy specifically raised the issue of additional missiles and preparations for the coming winter.
On 10 September, Canada announced $2 billion in aid for Ukraine. Part of the funds is to be allocated to missiles for the Patriot system, ammunition for the F-16, joint drone production and support for the energy sector.
These two approaches have different timeframes: the existing interceptors are needed in the coming months, whilst FREYJA is intended, in the long term, to reduce Kyiv’s dependence on the limited global market for American missiles.
Sanctions, energy and grain in diplomatic talks
Zelenskyy called on the US to adopt new economic and energy sanctions against Russia more swiftly, in order to limit its ability to finance the war and produce ballistic missiles. He emphasised that decisions were needed from both Congress and Donald Trump’s administration.
The President welcomed the very fact that contacts had taken place between US special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Moscow and Kyiv. No details of the new proposals for negotiations were disclosed.
Among the possible initial topics for practical agreements, Zelenskyy mentioned mutual attacks on energy infrastructure and Ukrainian grain exports. In the first 12 days of August, Ukraine exported 280,000 tonnes of cereals and pulses — 75.7% less than in the same period last year, against a backdrop of attacks and the de facto blockade of part of the Black Sea logistics network.
