Key facts
- Ukraine aims for a prototype of the European anti-ballistic missile defense system, Freyja, by the first half of 2025.
- The Freyja project seeks to develop a lower-cost alternative to the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system.
- An international steering committee will convene to estimate R&D costs for Freyja.
- Ukraine will contribute a launcher and interceptor missile, while allies are expected to provide technology like radars and sensors.
- Fire Point will serve as the lead industrial partner, collaborating with Hensoldt for radar provision.
Ukraine is pushing for a prototype of a European anti-ballistic missile defense system, codenamed Freyja, to be ready by the first half of 2025. Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, stated that an international steering committee will soon convene to estimate research and development costs for the project. The initiative, officially launched at a summit in Paris attended by leaders from 10 European countries and defense manufacturers, aims to provide Ukraine with a weapon capable of downing Russian missiles, a capability currently lacking due to reliance on U.S.-made Patriot systems. These Patriot supplies have been affected by political volatility, low stocks, and long production cycles, while Russia has recently intensified ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine plans to contribute a launcher and an interceptor missile to the Freyja project, with allies expected to provide technology such as modern radars, sensors, and expertise in missile guidance. Ukrainian manufacturer Fire Point will lead the industrial partnership, collaborating with German firm Hensoldt for radar. Freyja is envisioned as a more affordable alternative to the Patriot, featuring an open architecture that allows for interchangeable parts from various defense industry leaders. Discussions are also underway to establish a dedicated fund to ensure stable financing for the project, with the goal of streamlining the process by directly involving businesses alongside governments.