Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine expects to achieve needed results in developing its own ballistics and creating a new anti-ballistic system in 2026 to 2027. Following a meeting on ballistics preparation and the status of tasks under the Freyja anti-ballistic program, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine already possesses the necessary scientific base and competencies.
Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that developing national ballistics and creating a new anti-ballistic system is a task that an absolute minority of countries worldwide have accomplished. He said Ukrainian arms producers have reached the required level, adding that Ukraine has the capability to achieve results in 2026 to 2027.
The president said the meeting covered key challenges, including access to critical components, technological cooperation with partners, and production localization. He added that the Freyja project is moving forward, noting that Europe requires a shared and large-scale capability to defend against ballistic threats.
Zelenskyy invited partner countries capable of contributing to join the Anti-Ballistic Coalition. He noted that discussions also focused on PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, and stated he expects results from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense in communication with identified partners.
The statement follows remarks from Zelenskyy the previous day, when he said air defense missile deliveries to Ukraine from partners this year had dropped three-fold compared to the same period last year.
Interceptor Deficit and Patriot Capability
Ukraine faces a shortage of interceptor missiles for its MIM-104 Patriot systems. The Patriot is the only system in Ukraine capable of effectively shooting down Iskander-M, Kinzhal, and Zircon missiles flying on ballistic and quasi-ballistic trajectories, leading to a trend of decreasing effectiveness against such missiles.
Amid the deficit, Ukrainian authorities urged partners to expand the production of ballistic missile interceptors. Responses regarding interceptor requests came from Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany, while the Dutch Ministry of Defense noted that the Netherlands cannot provide additional Patriot interceptors from its own stocks.
Ukraine announced in July that it was establishing an Anti-Ballistic Coalition with nine partners. The declaration was approved on July 13 during the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the initiative aims to protect Ukraine, strengthen collective security, and build European defense capabilities.
The Freyja Anti-Ballistic Project
Speaking at the Anti-Ballistic Coalition meeting, Zelenskyy said Europe needs more ballistic protection and stated that Ukraine can provide an anti-ballistic missile, which is currently near completion. He emphasized that partners possess radars and critical components, making joint efforts essential to confirm Freyja as a shared project politically.
The Freyja project was disclosed in May as an air defense system designed to intercept ballistic missiles. However, analysts warn that months will pass before a combat-ready battery can be deployed. Separately, the President's Office reported that Ukraine and Sweden concluded an agreement to purchase 16 Gripen fighters.
