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\u2013120 Patriot missiles per month for the winter.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n FREYJA<\/a> 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 \u2014 one of the most challenging types of target for Ukraine\u2019s air defence.<\/p>\n According to Zelensky<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s readiness to join FREYJA.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ukraine\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n According to the President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n
European cooperation and Ukrainian elements<\/h2>\n
Patriot remains a key resource as winter approaches<\/h2>\n
Kyiv is seeking available missiles and stepping up its own development programme<\/h2>\n