The FREYJA Anti-Ballistic Missile Program was presented in Paris. The event brought together heads of state and government, defense ministers, national security advisors, and executives from defense companies. Following the meeting, the leaders signed the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition.
The founding members of the Coalition are Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. The Coalition remains open to other nations that share its principles and objectives.
“I want to thank everyone here, all the well-known companies, and all the people who have become part of the FREYJA project,” President of France Emmanuel Macron said.
Following the meeting, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted on social media that Europe needs stronger protection against ballistic missiles. That is why it is necessary to develop its own system, with Ukraine ready to provide the anti-ballistic missile for it.
“We are now finalizing it. Others have radars and other critical components. So it is important that we truly join forces. I’m grateful to the companies for their readiness to work together. Today, at the level of leaders, it is very important to confirm politically that FREYJA is our common project,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the world currently lacks sufficient anti-ballistic capabilities, and everyone can see this. The United States is working to increase Patriot production, while Europe is working to expand production of SAMP/T, IRIS-T, and NASAMS, but the need for protection exceeds existing capabilities.
“Russia is making its final bet on ballistic missile strikes against cities and villages – to break our people and stop Ukraine from defending itself. The Iranian regime fights in the same way. Russia's and North Korean cooperation has led to improvement of North Korean missiles,” the President of Ukraine added.
According to the Head of State, Europe can become a global leader in producing high-quality anti-ballistic systems without political dependence.
“Europeans themselves will be able to decide how many systems Europe needs and where they should be deployed. This would create a strategically new situation. Each European system will add its own strengths and give different parts of Europe a strategic foundation for protection,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President concluded by saying that he hopes to see FREYJA up and running within the next 12 months.
The leaders attending the meeting highlighted the need for modern responses to ballistic threats, Ukraine’s expertise and experience, and the necessity of moving quickly to advance Europe’s anti-ballistic capabilities.
Also participating in the presentation were Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, UK Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Defence Jan Stöß, national security advisors, defense ministers, and representatives of Kongsberg D&A, Thales, Safran, MBDA, Eurosam, Saab, Diehl Defence, Weibel Scientific, Fire Point, HENSOLDT, Sener, and Leonardo.
