Ukraine is no longer relying solely on the supply of Western weapons. Simultaneously, three directions for strengthening anti-ballistic defense are being implemented: negotiations to obtain missiles for the Patriot system, licensing their production in Ukraine, and creating its own FREYJA anti-ballistic missile defense system. This is the model for the development of Ukrainian anti-ballistic defense outlined by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during the NATO summit, writes UNN.
First direction: missiles for the Patriot system
Sybiha reported that Ukraine continues negotiations with states that have anti-ballistic missiles in their stockpiles. According to him, Kyiv is working with each country through various diplomatic channels, and also engaging lobbying states that help convince partners to transfer the necessary weapons to Ukraine.
"I am convinced that these decisions will be made," the minister stated.
Second direction: licenses
In parallel, Ukraine is conducting negotiations to obtain licenses for the production of missiles for the Patriot system. According to Sybiha, localization of production is one of the fastest ways to build up Ukrainian anti-ballistic capabilities.
"We can very quickly implement, produce, and apply. And also improve the technologies that our partners share," he said.
Third direction: FREYJA
However, Sybiha called the development of Ukraine's own air defense system with anti-ballistic capabilities the most ambitious direction. According to him, the President of Ukraine has already held talks with leaders of states that can provide the necessary components to complete this project.
Reminder
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Europe needs its own anti-missile defense system. According to him, ballistic missiles remain Russia's main advantage, and therefore allies must jointly develop capabilities to intercept them.
It was for this purpose that Ukraine previously initiated the creation of the FREYJA anti-missile defense system, to the implementation of which European partners are already joining. The project is designed to provide protection not only for Ukraine, but also, in the future, for the entire European continent from ballistic threats.
The basis of FREYJA will be the Ukrainian FP-7.X interceptor missile, which is being developed by the company Fire Point. The manufacturer expects to produce the first interceptor missiles by the end of 2026.