Ukraine aims to launch its new missile defense system by 2027
Currently, only the US-made Patriot air defense system is capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles (photo: Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine aims to complete development of its Freyja missile defense system in the first half of 2027, Deputy Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Davyd Aloian said, according to Reuters.
According to Aloian, the project is intended to serve as a prototype for a European missile defense system.
Kyiv is currently urging its allies to join the development effort.
Aloian also confirmed to reporters that the first meeting of the international steering committee will take place soon. The committee will be responsible for assessing the research and development costs of the system.
Leaders of 10 European countries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with about a dozen defense manufacturers, gathered at a summit in Paris two weeks ago to officially launch the missile defense coalition.
"Since we're working within such a tight timeframe, we have an ambitious goal: to have an MVP (minimum viable product) ready by the first half of next year," Aloian said.
As he explained, the MVP will be a prototype capable of demonstrating the first practical results.
Ukraine currently relies heavily on US-made Patriot air defense systems, which are the only weapons in its arsenal capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Ukraine's Air Force has also revealed how air defenses responded to Russia's latest attack on July 27 and how many aerial targets were destroyed.
Zelenskyy recently confirmed a shortage of air defense missiles and explained why the situation has become significantly more difficult.
The president has also announced new appointments aimed at strengthening Ukraine's air defense.
