politics
Ukraine and Nine European Nations Form Coalition for New Missile Defense System
Ukraine and nine European countries announced a coalition to jointly develop an anti-ballistic missile system during a Paris meeting. The system is intended to complement existing defenses and serve as a lower-cost alternative to the U.S. Patriot.
Jul 13, 4:01 PM·1m read6 sources
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Ukraine and nine European countries announced Monday the formation of a coalition to jointly develop a new anti-ballistic missile system. The announcement occurred during a meeting in Paris of the Coalition of the Willing attended by dozens of heads of state. The coalition includes Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the UK.
Leaders issued a joint statement calling for an integrated missile defence architecture developed through collective effort and industrial cooperation. The statement said the new system would complement existing ballistic missile defence systems already acquired or planned by participating countries and would serve as a cheaper alternative to the U.S. Patriot system.
A dozen defence firms participated in the talks. The coalition will remain open to participation by additional countries.
Ukraine has faced increased Russian ballistic missile and drone attacks on civilian targets in recent weeks. At least four people were killed in strikes last weekend. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Ukraine had ordered new Franco-Italian air defence systems and 16 Rafale fighter jets scheduled for delivery in 2028-2029.
Ukraine also received a licence to produce French SCALP cruise missiles.
Macron said allies had agreed to begin military exercises in countries neighbouring Ukraine as part of planning for a multinational force once a ceasefire is reached.
