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Ukraine and nine European countries have established an Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition aimed at developing a joint missile defense capability for Europe, according to a joint declaration published by the Élysée Palace, UATV English reports.
The founding members of the coalition are Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
According to the declaration, the participating countries agreed to work together on building a shared anti-ballistic missile capability to strengthen Europe’s collective defense against growing missile threats.
The coalition will define common operational requirements, establish technical working groups and governance mechanisms, and prepare an implementation roadmap for the initiative.
Partners also plan to jointly develop new technologies, explore financing opportunities, and expand cooperation through the exchange of expertise. The declaration notes that the coalition will remain open to additional countries wishing to join in the future.
The initiative was announced as European leaders seek to bolster the continent’s air and missile defense capabilities in response to Russia’s continued use of ballistic missiles against Ukraine and the evolving security environment across Europe.
Zelenskyy also commented on this initiative.
Strong and Sufficient Anti-Ballistic Capabilities Are Needed to End Russia’s War Against Ukraine. They Are No Less Important Than Deep or Mid Strikes on Russia’s War Economy or Active Frontline Operations
The more means Ukraine has to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, the higher the likelihood that Putin will sit down at the negotiating table, because his last argument in this war will no longer work.
I’m grateful to President Macron for organizing and holding the first meeting of the European Anti-Ballistic Coalition. I also thank the national security advisors and defense company executives who gathered here today. Our work on the joint FREYJA system isn’t meant to replace systems that already exist. It’s a way to complement our defense, build a reliable shield over all of Europe, and do all of this faster and cheaper, he said.
Read also: Zelenskyy, Macron Coordinate Defense Priorities, Discuss European Anti-Ballistic Shield
