An Umbrella for Europe: Ten European Countries Including Ukraine Launch the anti-ballistic coalition
"We believe that the protection of Europe requires a global solution of integrated missile defence architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats," said the joint declaration by Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
A few days after the NATO summit in Ankara, some European leaders met again in Paris for a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. This is a formation created for the military defense of Ukraine.
Now, it seems, they have decided to expand their activities to Europe, citing the "unique experience of Ukraine" whose air defenses have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes in recent weeks.
French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X that with the launch of the anti-ballistic coalition, Europe was supporting Ukraine and strengthening the continent's defence capabilities.
The announcement came hours after President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in France Monday for a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. At least 25 heads of state or government are attended the meeting in Paris on Monday and Tuesday to discuss support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia .
The coalition has now expanded to include 37 countries. Two new members, Moldova and North Macedonia, are scheduled to take part in the Paris meeting for the first time.
The Kremlin on Monday dismissed the summit, calling it a "coalition of warmongers," in which leaders "do not want peace".
Projekt FREYJA
"We will for the first time, hold a meeting at the level of leaders, national security advisors, and defence companies from countries that can make a concrete contribution to building a new anti-ballistic system," Zelenskyy said on X.
In May 2026, Ukrainian defence company Fire Point presented the concept of the Freyja air defence system.
The basis of the Pan-European anti-ballistic project Freyja is the FP-7.x interceptor missile. It has a stated speed of 1,500-2,000 metres per second. The munition is 7.25 metres long, with an outer diameter of 1.15 metres and a fuselage diameter of 0.53 metres. Launches of these missiles were first shown in February of this year.
The missile is equipped with an Image Infra-Red semi-active homing head, which will be developed in partnership with German air defence systems manufacturer IRIS Diehl Defence.
"As a long-range detection radar, the SAAB Giraffe 8A/4A, Thales Ground Master 400 or Hensoldt TRML-4D are planned for use," the presentation states.
The interceptor missiles are to be launched from a light mobile launcher manufactured by Fire Point.
Integration of Freyja into Ukraine's air defence and anti-missile defence system is planned via the Link-16 protocol, which is a NATO standard.
The first missile interception is planned by the end of 2027, Fire Point co-owner Denys Shtilerman announced. At the time, Shtilerman explained that the development aims to reduce the cost of intercepting a ballistic missile to under US$1 million.
Patriots for Ukraine
During the meeting, Zelenskyy recalled the important agreement with President Trump on licenses for Ukraine to produce Patriot systems.
"Our teams are now working on the implementation of this truly historic political agreement. We have been working on this for a very long time. But we always emphasize that the more diverse our defense is, the more difficult it will be for our enemies to undermine security in Europe. That is why we need to move faster on the Patriots, as well as SAMP/T, IRIS-T, NASAMS and, of course, our FREJYA project," the Ukrainian president said.
At the same time, he reiterated that the most important systems today for protecting life from Russian ballistic missiles remain the Patriots. Ukraine needs 100 of these missiles every month - 300 missiles for the winter.
"If we have enough protection for the winter, Russia will have much less reason to drag out the war until winter. I ask you to consider this," Zelenskyy addressed the coalition members.
French Licence to Ukraine
Ukraine orders fighter jets and licence to produce French missiles, Macron says during press-conference.
Ukraine has acquired new French-made air defence systems, including 16 Rafale fighter jets, the first of which are due to “take to the skies” by 2028-2029.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron said Ukraine’s allies had agreed to begin military exercises in neighbouring countries as part of a multinational force.
This announcement marked the first time France has agreed to licence production to Ukraine, in a move that would allow it to ramp up stocks.
Macron said radar systems were also being ceded to Ukraine.
Britain Joins In With Money
London has agreed to join in the long-in-the-making EU plan to give Ukraine a much-needed financial boost. The United Kingdom has joined the European Union's €90 billion loan for Ukraine, which is designed to cover the country's financial and military needs for 2026 and 2027.
London”s participation was formally announced on Monday during the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing".
It is possible that other statements of support for Ukraine and the newly formed anti-ballistic coalition for Europe will be made. After all, the leaders will remain in Paris for another day - tomorrow, a large parade will be held there in honor of France's national holiday, Bastille Day.
Sources: president.gov.ua, The Guardian, France24, RFI,Euronews